PHILADELPHIA — The hint came during the ninth inning Tuesday as the Cardinals, facing a second consecutive loss and a 17th loss in their past 23 games, tried to surface from a one-run deficit and pinch-hit for Yadier Molina.
Usually one of the last hitters removed from a close game, especially one the Cardinals are trailing, Molina was lifted in favor of Jose Martinez.
The concern, manager Mike Shildt explained later, was that the catcher could not drive a pitch comfortably with his sore right hand. The hand, injured Sunday back at Busch Stadium, had responded well to rest Monday and it wasn't going to take a bruising during the game that limited Molina from catching.