Isringhausen will remain out of action

ST. LOUIS -- Cardinals closer Jason Isringhausen received a cortisone shot for his ailing hip on Monday, and St. Louis said he won't be used until the weekend.

Isringhausen has not pitched since Wednesday, when he blew his career-high 10th save in 43 chances. After giving up two runs in the ninth inning of a 7-6 loss at Washington, he said the hip had been bothering him.

"I'm really not doing anything until later this week," Isringhausen said. "I don't know what's going to happen."

Isringhausen had hip surgery in October 2004 after saving a career-high 47 games for a team that made its first World Series appearance in 17 years. He has a team-record 173 saves in five seasons with St. Louis and 249 for his career, with seven straight 20-save seasons.

The Cardinals also began a six-game homestand without center fielder Jim Edmonds and shortstop David Eckstein. Edmonds has made one start in the last 22 games due to post-concussion syndrome and Eckstein missed his 22nd game with a strained left side muscle.

Edmonds did not accompany the team on a 2-5 trip. He worked out on Sunday and said he felt "a little funny" when he stepped up the intensity to a workout, but took batting practice for the first time in more than a week.

Edmonds said he had been experiencing fewer headaches.

Eckstein took ground balls for about on Monday and said he was close to returning.