Finally, the Cardinals have an idea of when Puerto Rican hunter Yadier Molina, a leading character in the franchise, will be back in action.
The team expects Molina to begin her rehab job Thursday in Memphis, Chief of Baseball Operations John Muziliac told MLB.com on Monday. The 40-year-old catcher, who has spent his entire career with the Cardinals, will be behind the Triple-A Redbirds board.
If all goes well for Molina in his matches as a hitter and the designated hitter starts in the minor leagues, the Cardinals plan to have Puerto Rico starting August 2. On that day, the club starts a home streak against rival Cubs, and Adam Wainwright is set to start in St. Louis. Wainwright and Molina are the first-team winners in major league history with 207 wins and the second-most number of games with 316. The duo need eight more games together to match Mickey Lelich’s lead record of 324 wins and Bill Freehan of the Tigers.
Molina, who has been on the injury list since June 17 with inflammation in his right knee, was tested from Puerto Rico to San Luis on Sunday, the club’s medical staff examined him on Monday and had two days of scheduled cardiovascular exercise. .
Molina, who announced before the start of the season that 2022 would be his last major tournament season, has been suffering from nagging knee pain since spring training.
In 40 games this season, Molina has averaged 0.213 with two home runs and 10 RBIs.
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