He said there had been no discussions of an extension but that he wasn’t disappointed about that.

“It’s OK,” he said. “Just play the game hard and don’t worry about that. Right now, my mind is on the playoffs.”

Having spent most of his career with the Miami Marlins, Ozuna isn’t used to being in first place, or even the first division, at this time of year.

“I’m enjoying this right now, especially the way we’re playing, since I got back (from his injury). I love it,” he said.

Ozuna said he could smell the playoffs and said, “I will be excited to be there. The guys that have been there tell me how they’re going to play in the playoffs. I want to be there and show what I can do.

“I’m super excited.”

Heading into Tuesday night’s game at Colorado, the Cardinals have won 37 of their past 55 games. Since Ozuna returned on Aug 3 after suffering fractured fingers on his right hand when he dived into first base, the Cardinals are 23-12. And their magic number for clinching the division is 16.

“Look at the way we’re playing,” he said. “We’re playing a good ballgame. We’re not trying to do too much. We’re trying to play ‘little ball.’ Fundamentals.”