Cardinals have no timetable set for Craig's return to field

ST. LOUIS -- St. Louis Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak said he'd be happy if Allen Craig could return for the postseason.

Craig is sidelined by a left mid-foot sprain and he's wearing a boot to immobilize the injury sustained rounding first base Wednesday in Cincinnati.

"I think in the short term he's not going to be available anytime soon," Mozeliak said Friday. "I don't want to guess when he may or may not be ready, but I think it's not imminent."

Craig has had a pair of MRI exams that showed no fracture and met with a handful of doctors whose opinions have the Cardinals cautiously optimistic.

"Originally I was pretty scared because my foot's never bent that way," Craig said. "To get that news is huge, and giving me a chance to at least potentially come back this season is good."

Craig was among the NL leaders with 97 RBIs and was batting .454 with runners in scoring position, the best in the majors. He said the foot felt "pretty good."

The Cardinals activated pitcher Jake Westbrook from the 15-day disabled list, but he'll be in the bullpen for now instead despite the rotation's recent struggles.

Manager Mike Matheny said that Lance Lynn, who has lost four straight starts, would take his next turn. The Cardinals have a day off Monday and will give all the starters extra rest.