BOSTON — Within the same inning that outfielder Tyler O’Neill rounded first and took a turn toward the injured list Sunday, the Cardinals had a quick reminder of the replacement they have ready, willing, and swinging should they need him.
Their search for such depth and solutions coming out of the bullpen to fill a void continues for yet another week.
Juan Yepez, limited to pinch-hit detail all weekend at Fenway Park, drilled a three-run homer over the Green Monster five batters after O’Neill left the game because of a hamstring injury. The bolt from Yepez, who could start in O’Neill’s absence, helped the Cardinals get the tying run to the plate in the ninth inning.