Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina injured his thumb Sunday on a play that resulted in Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo being thrown out at the plate in a win. Jon Morisi of Fox Sports reports that the Cardinals will find out about the severity of the injury Monday.
#STLCards expect to know results of Yadier Molina's left thumb MRI today.
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) September 21, 2015
Molina was injured tagging out Anthony Rizzo on an Addison Russell sacrifice-fly attempt in the eighth inning of Sunday’s 4-3 Cardinals victory. St. Louis outfielder Jason Heyward threw out Rizzo on the no-out, bases-loaded fly for a double play.
Despite low home run totals (4) and average run production (61 RBIs), Molina is one of the most important players to the Cardinals staff. His baseball IQ and defense at the catching position makes him invaluable to St. Louis.
For everything he does, Yadier Molina is the most valuable player in baseball (note use of lower case). Cards very nervous about that thumb.
— David Waldstein (@DavidWaldstein) September 21, 2015
The most likely replacement for Molina for the short term would be Tony Cruz. The fourth year catcher owns a .215 career batting average and just four home runs in his time in the majors.
The Cardinals are 85-47 when Molina starts this season. The team is 8-9 when he doesn’t suit up.
