Lance Berkman (shoulder) remains questionable to play Friday. Berkman has been out since a pain-killing injection Wednesday in his sore right shoulder. He's feeling better, but an indication that he could be held back again Friday is the fact that he was used as a pinch-hitter decoy Thursday, standing on the top step with a helmet on before the injury-strapped Cards sent up pitcher Kyle Lohse instead to pinch-hit with two outs in the ninth. Berkman should certainly be ready at some point this weekend.

Lance Berkman was given a pain-killing injection Wednesday in his sore right shoulder. Berkman told reporters that he is already feeling better and is hoping to return to the Cardinals' lineup on Friday against the Cubs. He's out Wednesday night and will also rest Thursday versus the Astros.

Lance Berkman will undergo an MRI on his ailing right shoulder Wednesday. Berkman originally injured the shoulder on a swing Sunday and left Tuesday's game after feeling more discomfort. He is expected to receive an anti-inflammatory injection on Wednesday, which will likely sideline him for the next two or three days. "If they can pinpoint the muscle that is giving me trouble, they can inject it and it helps speed the recovery process," said Berkman. "Nobody thinks it's anything to be that concerned about. I think they're just going to look at it first and then they'll tell me what's the best thing to do." Jon Jay should fill in during his absence.

Lance Berkman aggravated his right shoulder during Tuesday's game against the Astros. Berkman was forced to leave the game after he felt a recurrence of discomfort when he grounded out in the fourth inning. "Honestly I thought I was going to be fine today," said Berkman. "When I got out there in the game, I took that swing. it's concerning to me, just because I don't want to do something and really hurt myself. It's like a pinch. When you go to accelerate, it's just there. it's like any kind of a strain. It doesn't feel good. Berkman will be examined by a doctor Wednesday and could receive an anti-inflammatory injection. He'll likely have to miss the next couple of games, but hopefully this doesn't become a lingering issue.

Lance Berkman was removed from Tuesday's game during the fifth inning as part of a double-switch. There's been no word on Berkman aggravating his shoulder injury, but it's certainly a possibility. We'll update his status as soon as more information becomes available.

Updating a previous item, Lance Berkman (rotator cuff) is in the starting lineup for Tuesday's game against the Astros.

Lance Berkman is out of Monday's lineup against the Astros with a right rotator cuff strain. Berkman suffered the injury on his last swing Sunday against the Pirates, but is hopeful that he will only have to miss a day or two. Jon Jay will make the start in right field Monday and bat second against left-hander J.A. Happ.

Lance Berkman has played in 38 straight games for the Cardinals. Berkman admits that he "can feel in (his) legs it's July and August," but says it's "not something I haven't felt before. It's not overwhelming. I just think it's the nature of our sport." Though he's batted just .236 during that span, he's belted 14 homers while driving in 24 runs. Not only has Big Puma's production this season been remarkable, but the fact that he's become something of an iron man after entering the year with heath questions has also been a pleasant surprise.

Lance Berkman extended his National League home run lead with a mammoth solo blast against the Mets' Dillon Gee Tuesday. Berkman also drew a walk and scored the Cardinals' only two runs of the night. Though his average has slid back since his huge April, Berkman's power and on-base skills have remained, as he's now sporting an impressive .286./399/.604 batting line with 26 bombs and 65 RBI for the season.

Lance Berkman hit his 25th home run in St. Louis' loss to the Reds on Sunday. Berkman's second inning solo shot off of Homer Bailey would be all the offense the Cardinals could muster in a 3-1 loss in Cincinnati. Berkman's 25 bombs are good for sole possession of the National League lead.