John

Rodriguez

The monster hot streak that initially carried into the majors seems over now. Rodriguez is 10-for-46 with one extra-base hit and one walk in his last 13 games. He still should have a little value in NL-only leagues until Larry Walker returns.

He went hitless in his lone at bat.

Rodriguez injured his ankle while sliding into second in Sunday’s game. He will likely be available to pinch hit on Tuesday and should return to left field later in the week.

Rodriguez, who lost most of his playing time to fellow left-handed hitter Chris Duncan, gets sent down despite a .304/.379/.449 line in 158 at-bats. He had a double and a walk in three plate appearances this month.

Rodriguez was on first base when Aaron Miles hit an infield single to short. Rodriguez appeared to catch his right leg under his body as he slid into second and lay on the ground for a few minutes before being helped off the field. If he goes on the DL, it will lead to even more at-bats for Chris Duncan in left field, assuming the Cardinals don’t go out and acquire a regular left fielder.

Don’t rule out a DL stint just yet, especially if the Cardinals pick up another bad before the deadline. NL-only leaguers may want to bench Rodriguez for the week.

“I’ve got to believe at the end of August we will still be in contention,” La Russa said. “We won’t be set up with 13 pitchers.” Rodriguez was optioned to Triple-A to create room on the roster for Brad Thompson.

Rodriguez injured the wrist while attempting to make a diving catch. So Taguchi replaced Rodriguez in left on Sunday and should see increased at-bats if Rodriguez needs to miss any time.

He flied out in his only at-bat.

Rodriguez had been a fine part-time player while batting .301/.364/.399 in 133 at-bats, but his first homer of the year will certainly help his cause for more playing time.