Adam Wainwright: Wainwright (Achilles) cleared for activity

After being out of commission since tearing his left Achilles tendon on April 25 in Milwaukee, the 34-year-old has been cleared to begin baseball activities. The two-time 20-game victor could help in the bullpen during the postseason.

Cardinals, one of the best teams in baseball this season, just suffered a major blow after their All-Star catcher Yadier Molina partially tore the ligament in his left thumb.

Molina was hurt tagging the Cubs’ Anthony Rizzo, attempting to score the tying run on a fly ball Sunday.

On the same day the Cardinals were gut-punched by news of Molina’s ligament tear, they got a positive update on staff ace Adam Wainwright. When combined with the fact that Molina left a one-run game in the top of the ninth due to the injury, the diagnosis was ominous.

“He was even hotter when he was in our office before he went to meet (the media)”, Epstein said.

NEW YORK – Atlanta Braves pitcher Mike Foltynewicz has had surgery to remove half a rib after being hospitalized because of blood clots in his right arm. “I feel like I can let it go”.

Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak is “cautiously optimistic” Molina will be back before the playoffs.

The Cubs convinced the Rangers that Matt Garza was worth three players now in the Cubs’ bullpen and a fourth who opened each of the last two seasons as their starting third baseman.

More important than Molina’s bat, is his effect on the pitchers for the Cardinals.

“You look at the options we have from a pinch hitting standpoint, the critical part is making sure we have defensive backup”, Mozeliak said.

“It could be. You never know”, said Matheny, who celebrated his 45h birthday Tuesday.

The St. Louis Cardinals have become the first team to clinch a postseason berth this year despite losing 5-4 to the Chicago Cubs on Saturday. The Gold and Platinum Glover said ice and rest is what is being prescribed right now, but seemed optimistic that he could return this regular season. “I think he’s his own man, he’ll make up his own mind”.

“I’m just real hungry and waiting to get my opportunity”.