Matt Holliday (finger) will not be in the starting lineup for Game 3 of the NLDS against the Phillies. Holliday, still being bothered by tendon issues in his right middle finger, did not participate in Monday's optional team workout at Busch Stadium. He instead underwent an MRI, the results of which should be available at some point Tuesday afternoon. The Cardinals could make a roster move if they deem their high-priced slugger unfit for the rest of the five-game division series.

Matt Holliday will have his finger examined Monday. Holliday was able to pinch-hit at the end of Game 1's loss to the Phillies, but he felt "excruciating" pain in his right middle finger after the at-bat and did not step to the plate in Game 2. The Cardinals are hoping that the examination will provide some answers and that Monday's off-day will help their starting left field heal.

Manager Tony La Russa doesn't appear optimistic about having Matt Holliday (finger) in the starting lineup at any point during the NLDS. Holliday had more pain in his hand while pinch-hitting last night. "Right now I'm more concerned than I was before yesterday's game," La Russa said today. Allen Craig is filling in for Holliday tonight.

Matt Holliday is out of the lineup again for Sunday's Game 2 against the Phillies. Holliday's injured finger remains a problem, and it's unclear if he'll be available as a pinch-hitter. Allen Craig will start in his place again.

Matt Holliday (finger) is not in the lineup for Game 1 of the NLDS matchup against the Phillies. As expected. Holliday hit off a tee Friday with minimal discomfort and could be back in the lineup for Game 2, but he's no safe bet to make much of a contribution this series. Lance Berkman has slid over from right to left field, while Allen Craig takes Holliday's spot in the lineup and is playing right.

Matt Holliday (finger) and Rafael Furcal (hamstring) are both on the Cardinals' NLDS roster. The Cardinals had given some consideration to leaving Holliday off the roster since he's unlikely to play in Game 1 and is no safe bet to make it through the series without aggravating his finger injury. But, it never seemed to be a serious possibility, as, at the very least, he's a threat off the bench. Furcal's hamstring is much better and he's expected to start Saturday. The Cards also decided to carry youngster Adron Chambers on the roster over veteran Corey Patterson.

Contrary to previous reports, Matt Holliday did not receive a cortisone shot for his ailing right middle finger. Holliday skipped the shot because it would have ruled him out for at least the next few days. While it's mostly a matter of pain tolerance, the good news is that he was able to hit off a tee Friday with minimal discomfort. "I hit in the cage, felt pretty good, threw, felt pretty good," said Holliday. "I think tomorrow I'll hit, probably do batting practice, and see where it goes." Holliday appears doubtful to start Game 1, but could be available for Game 2 on Sunday. Allen Craig will fill in if he is unable to go.

Matt Holliday (finger) will be unavailable for Saturday's NLDS Game 1 against the Phillies. Holliday was given a cortisone shot in his troublesome right middle finger on Thursday and is hoping to be ready by Game 2. But there's no guarantee that he'll play in the series at all. The Cardinals are lucky to have Allen "Wrench" Craig as a fill-in.

Matt Holliday (finger) revealed during the Cardinals' NL Wild Card celebration Wednesday that he will receive a cortisone shot Thursday and hopes to play in Game 1 of the NLDS. Holliday also noted that his right middle finger bothers him more when throwing than at the plate. The Cardinals can afford to play it safe with Holliday if need be with Allen Craig playing so well, but they certainly hope to get their slugger back as soon as possible. Even if he makes it back for Game 1, he's no guarantee to stay healthy throughout the playoffs.

Cardinals manager Tony La Russa considers Matt Holliday (finger) "doubtful" to play in a potential tiebreaker game Thursday. Holliday aggravated an inflamed tendon in his right hand on Tuesday and was removed after one at-bat. "If we were out of players, he'd go out there and grin and bear it (Wednesday)," La Russa said, "but I put him down as not available. I think it would be doubtful for (Thursday)." The Cards have a nice backup plan for left field in Allen Craig, but they'd certainly love to get Holliday back if they make it into postseason play. His status going forward is cloudy.