Colorado Rockies first baseman Justin Morneau, who is second in the race for the National League batting crown, suffered a left intercostal (rib) strain Friday and is listed as day-to-day.

The 33-year-old Morneau, whose average fell to .315 in a 5-1 loss to the Cardinals, left in the sixth inning . He is just behind Pirates outfielder Josh Harrison, who had three hits Friday to raise his average to .318.

If Morneau can't play, Ben Paulsen would likely get the start at first for the Rockies, who are also without Michael Cuddyer, who is recovering from a hamstring injury and isn't expected to return from the DL until Monday.

Morneau, the 2006 AL MVP who is in his first season with Colorado, also has 15 home runs and 72 RBIs for the Rockies, who are tied with Arizona for the worst record in the NL.