Cardinals manager Oli Marmol said Wednesday that Carlson is still dealing with pain in his neck, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Carlson sat out Tuesday and Wednesday's games at Colorado after tweaking his neck on a sliding catch in Monday's series opener. It doesn't sound like an IL situation, but he remains day-to-day leading into Thursday night's game against the Pirates.

Carlson (neck) is not in the lineup Tuesday at Colorado.

EDGE Analysis

Carlson felt a pinch in his neck while making a sliding catch in Monday night's series opener, though it's not believed to be a serious issue. Tyler O'Neill will play center field and bat sixth Tuesday against the Rockies and left-hander Kyle Freeland.

Carlson (neck) is in the starting lineup Tuesday at Colorado.

EDGE Analysis

Carlson made an early exit from Monday's series opener at Coors Field after feeling a pinch in his neck, but it was never a serious concern. He will play center field and bat eighth Tuesday against the Rockies and left-hander Kyle Freeland.

Carlson departed Monday's game against the Rockies after feeling a pinch in his neck, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

EDGE Analysis

The move was considered precautionary, so Carlson should be fine in a day or two. He was making his fifth start in the Cardinals' first 10 games.

Carlson is starting in center field and batting eighth for the Cardinals on Monday versus the Rockies.

EDGE Analysis

Most of Carlson's playing time so far this season has come against lefties, but he's getting an opportunity Monday versus right-hander German Marquez. Tyler O'Neill is on the bench.

Carlson is batting second for the Cardinals on Tuesday versus Atlanta.

EDGE Analysis

Carlson will get the nod in left field -- along with a prominent lineup spot -- as left-hander Dylan Dodd makes his MLB debut in the start for Atlanta. Alec Burleson is sitting.

Carlson went 3-for-4 with a run scored in Sunday's 9-4 win over the Blue Jays.

EDGE Analysis

Carlson was on the bench in the first two games of the season, appearing as a defensive replacement Saturday. He spelled Tyler O'Neill in center field for Sunday's contest. Carlson struggled to a .236/.316/.380 slash line over 128 games last season and failed to win a starting job in spring training, though he could command more playing time if he hits well or injuries pop up. For now, Carlson is set to occupy a utility outfielder role, though his ability to play all three outfield spots should afford him fairly regular looks.

Manager Oliver Marmol said Sunday that Carlson is likely to begin the season working as a utility outfielder and bench piece, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

It appears the 24-year-old will be the odd man out to open the season with prospect Jordan Walker making St. Louis' Opening Day roster. Carlson should still see a fair amount of action between the three outfield spots and designated hitter, but it seems Walker, Tyler O'Neill and Lars Nootbaar will begin the campaign as the primary outfield options.

Carlson (arm) is starting in center field for the Cardinals' spring training game against the Mets on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Carlson had been dealing with arm fatigue for the past week, but he was still cleared to hit, serving as the Cards' designated hitter while his arm recovered. With Jordan Walker turning heads early this spring, Carlson must take advantage of every opportunity he gets in the field to make up for lost time.

Carlson (arm) could return to playing the outfield this week, Lynn Worthy of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

EDGE Analysis

Carlson has been limited to designated hitter duty -- he homered from the DH spot Monday -- as he works his way back from arm fatigue but is almost ready to play the outfield again. The 24-year-old is competing for playing time in the Cards' outfield and is surely eager to make up for lost time with Jordan Walker already creating some buzz with his strong early showing.