Rolen questionable for rest of playoffs

PHOENIX, Oct. 3 (UPI) -- St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Scott Rolen injured his left shoulder Thursday in Game 2 of the National League Division Series, placing in doubt his status for the rest of the playoffs.

Making the first post-season appearance of his seven-year career, Rolen collided with Arizona Diamondbacks pinch runner Alex Cintron in the bottom of the seventh inning. The initial diagnosis was a sprain, but Rolen will be re-examined Friday in St. Louis.

"It's a sprain on the joint," Cardinals trainer Barry Weinberg said. "We will determine the severity tomorrow. We'll wait to see the scan."

St. Louis manager Tony La Russa did not sound optimistic.

"The news is probably not good," La Russa said. "It's not really that he is a good player, but he's really excited about the playoffs. He played at such a high level. I feel worse for Scott than I do for us."

The Cardinals had a 1-0 lead in the seventh, but the Diamondbacks had runners at first and second with two out. Rolen fielded Junior Spivey's ground ball only to have Citron run into him while sprinting to third. Cintron was called out for interference to end the threat.

"I saw him coming out of the corner of my eye, but you are taught - and your instincts tell you - you have to go after the ball," Rolen said. "And if he runs into you, then he is out anyway. I was going for the ball and he got in front of me. It's one of those things that happen in the game."

"I wasn't looking to hit him," Cintron said. "I was looking to see where the ball goes. I turned my head to the plate. Spivey hit the ball hard. I saw it coming, I jumped. That is when I hit him. I couldn't stop because of the momentum."

Miguel Cairo, who ended up replacing Rolen at third base, singled in the go-ahead run in the top of the ninth.

Albert Pujols, who started the first two games in left field, is the likely choice to play third base if Rolen remains sidelined.

"My opinion, we already passed those tests," La Russa said. "I'd just as soon we not keep getting tested. I mean, that's just the game of baseball. Guys get hurt."