"Obviously, you can’t replace him but he will be back," Theriot said. "The good news is it’s not something that will linger."

Manager Tony La Russa probably will employ a platoon of Jon Jay and Allen Craig in left field until Holliday’s return. Though noncommittal, La Russa allowed that right fielder Lance Berkman appears the probable choice to inherit the cleanup role, at least against righthanded pitching.

Mozeliak and La Russa are expected to further discuss the matter before today’s game. Several factors weigh against a hasty move.

The most logical minor-league players to assume Holliday’s roster spot are third baseman Matt Carpenter and center fielder Shane Robinson, but neither is on the 40-man roster.

Carpenter has experienced minor back discomfort since being reassigned from major-league camp. So has another candidate, first baseman Mark Hamilton, who is on the 40-man roster. Outfield prospect Adron Chambers also has been mentioned. The club has yet to entertain using the potential vacancy to promote an eighth reliever.