Rasmus' Wait Continues

Center fielder Colby Rasmus ran in the outfield Thursday. He then took batting practice. However, Rasmus emerged still uncertain about when his problematic right calf would next allow him to start.

A pivotal piece of the Cardinals' offensive machinery, Rasmus missed his ninth consecutive start in the series opener against the Washington Nationals as Jon Jay covered center field and Randy Winn played right field and batted fifth behind Matt Holliday.

A day after he sprinted with "40 percent" effort in Pittsburgh, Rasmus downplayed the possibility of appearing in the starting lineup before Saturday and allowed that he could miss all four starts this series.

"I look at it coming down to being available the last month of the season and the playoffs," he said. "I like my chances if I take my time and do what I've got to do to make sure it's right."

Rasmus is well aware of the Cardinals' offensive struggles as they use a college of candidates in his normal place in the order. Winn, Jay, Pedro Feliz and Yadier Molina have recently assumed the responsibility.