Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak said in an interview on 1120 KMOX Sunday that the club is "optimistic" Allen Craig (foot) "didn't go backwards or have a major setback." Craig aggravated his left foot injury while scoring the game-winning run in Saturday's Game 3 victory over the Red Sox. The Cards are hopeful that he'll be available Sunday, though it seems likely to again be in a pinch-hitting role. The odds of him playing first base in Games 4 and/or 5 probably aren't very high.

Allen Craig delivered a pinch-hit double and ended up scoring the winning run in the Cardinals' 5-4, walk-off win over the Red Sox in Game 3 of the World Series on Saturday. Craig was called on to hit with a runner on first base and one out in the ninth inning and he came through, doubling to put runners at second and third for Jon Jay. That's when chaos ensued. Jay hit a ground ball stabbed by a drawn-in Dustin Pedroia, who threw home to nail Yadier Molina at the plate. Craig took third on the play, prompting catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia to throw the ball into left field attempting to gun him down. Attempting to score, Craig tripped over a prone Will Middlebrooks on the way home, leading the third base and home plate umpires to call interference and award Craig home. It was a wild ending to an equally wild game.

Allen Craig (foot) is not in the starting lineup for Saturday's Game 3 but could enter as a replacement later in the game, according to Cardinals manager Mike Matheny. Matheny also offered that Craig could see some time at first base, suggesting he might not just be a late-game pinch-hitting option. Craig took ground balls before Saturday's game in hopes of convincing Matheny he was able to go but the manager decided against it. Still, everything suggests he's close to getting a start in the field, a start that could come as early as Sunday.

Allen Craig (foot) took ground balls at first base before Game 3 of the World Series on Saturday. It marked the second straight day that Craig was able to do defensive drills at first base. He is limited to pinch-hitting duties on Saturday, but could be cleared to return to the lineup at first base on Sunday or Monday.

Cardinals manager Mike Matheny said Friday that Allen Craig (foot) could play the field in Games 4 and/or 5 of the World Series. Craig did some defensive drills Friday for the first time since suffering a Lisfranc injury to his left foot back on September 4. He'll do more drills Saturday but will likely only be available to pinch-hit in Game 3. It sounds like he's progressing well enough to possibly start at first base on Sunday or Monday, though.

Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak said Thursday that Allen Craig (foot) playing the field during the World Series is "probably a reach." "I think it's probably a reach," Mozeliak said. "We'll see. Still have 48 hours." The Cards have the benefit of using Craig in the DH spot for games in Boston, but it appears he'll likely be limited to pinch-hitting duty in St. Louis unless he experiences notable improvement in a hurry.

Allen Craig had no issues with his injured left foot Wednesday in Game 1 of the World Series. Craig, serving as the Cardinals' designated hitter and cleanup man, took some confident cuts and wound up 1-for-4 in the 8-1 loss. He'll likely DH again on Thursday night with Matt Adams continuing to man first base.

Allen Craig is batting cleanup for the Cardinals in Game 1 of the World Series against the Red Sox. Craig is still recovering from a Lisfranc injury, so he'll DH while Matt Adams plays first base. Shane Robinson is starting over Jon Jay in center field. The full lineup for St. Louis: Matt Carpenter 2B, Carlos Beltran RF, Matt Holliday LF, Allen Craig DH, Yadier Molina C, David Freese 3B, Matt Adams 1B, Shane Robinson CF, Pete Kozma SS.

Cardinals manager Mike Matheny announced Tuesday that Allen Craig (foot) will be on the World Series roster. Great news for the Cardinals. Craig has been sidelined since early September due to a Lisfranc injury, but he has increased baseball activities in recent days and feels well enough to DH and pinch hit at the very least. It's possible he could start a game at first base later on in the series.

Allen Craig has yet to test out his left foot with any defensive drills. Craig is feeling well enough to serve as a DH in Boston for Games 1 and 2 and a pinch-hitter in St. Louis for Games 3 and 4 of the World Series. If he keeps progressing, it's possible he could start at first base in Game 5 versus lefty Jon Lester. While he hasn't officially been told he's on the roster yet, it appears to be a formality at this point. "All indications are pointing that way," said Craig. "I haven't been told, 'Hey, you're on the roster.' But, I think, given my progress, I'm in a good spot."