Let's Go Blues

per STLTODAY

Chris Duncan injured his left hamstring Tuesday and was held out of Wednesday's lineup to protect the sore muscle, manager Tony La Russa said. Duncan felt the injury when he slid into second base on a hit-and-run turned double play in the fourth inning Tuesday.

"I played with it, but we want to be careful," Duncan said. "It's cold, don't want to push it and turn it to something worse. Just make sure it's OK first."

Ryan Ludwick got the start in the outfield with Duncan temporarily shelved. La Russa said he'd rather give Duncan a few days off than risk a prolonged absence.Duncan missed time this spring with a sore back and he struggled to find his swing until late March.

"Let's make sure it's well before we run him back out," La Russa said. "It's minor. Not sure how long (he'll be), but we'll be careful with him."