Yadier Molina feeling better, but role in doubt
Published 8:02 pm, Monday, October 13, 2014
Yadier Molina made it onto the field at AT&T Park on Monday and did some light throwing, but a strained left oblique muscle may keep the All-Star catcher from having much of an impact for the rest of the National League Championship Series.
Molina said after his workout that he will try to play in Game 3, and when asked how he was feeling, he said, 'A little better, a little better than what I expected. When I woke up I was moving all right. We'll see. I got here and got some treatment and I feel better.'
But he did not swing a bat, and it doesn't appear the Cardinals believe he'll be an option to hit Tuesday. St. Louis manager Mike Matheny suggested that Molina could be used defensively in a late-game situation but he acknowledged that the catcher remains on the Cardinals' roster in part to make sure he remains eligible for the World Series should the team advance.
'He's one of the best, if not the best, catcher going right now,' said Tim Hudson, the Giants' Game 3 starter. 'You know, obviously that would be a pretty big blow for them, not only from an offensive standpoint, but from a defensive standpoint how he handles those pitchers.
'I can't say I wouldn't be disappointed if he is not in the lineup, there's no question about that. Obviously you never wish any ill will on anybody, but it wouldn't hurt my feelings if he's not in the lineup for a few days.'
Bullpen issues: Late-inning relievers from both teams had their difficulties in Game 2, including St. Louis closer Trevor Rosenthal, whose wild pitch in the ninth allowed the Giants to tie it up.
'Yes, he's still our closer,' Matheny said, 'and hopefully we have a lead late in the game where we can watch him go again.'
Matheny said Rosenthal should have cleaned his clogged spikes before uncorking a 52-foot fastball on the wild pitch.
Then there's the Giants' Hunter Strickland, who allowed ' go-ahead homer in the eighth. Strickland threw Adams two sliders before Adams hit out a 97 mph fastball. 'He was waiting on a fastball, and he got it,' Strickland said.
Strickland has allowed four homers this postseason - might he be tipping pitches?
'We're going to look at some video,' Strickland said. 'Hopefully not. If we are, we'll make the adjustment and get better.'
Briefly: San Francisco reliever 's right pinkie fingernail was torn off while he played catch Monday afternoon. It was taped up and he said he'll be able to pitch. ... The Giants flew back from St. Louis on Monday morning, landing at 1 p.m. The Cardinals flew after the game Sunday night and arrived in the wee hours. 'We made that call a couple days before we headed to St. Louis, said, 'You know what, instead of getting in here at 4, maybe 5 in the morning, we'll just keep them in the normal routine,'' Giants manager Bruce Bochy said. The Giants had an optional workout that was lightly attended.
Susan Slusser is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer.
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