Wong making progress, still nursing sore foot

MILWAUKEE -- Kolten Wong traveled with the Cardinals to Milwaukee but was held out of the starting lineup for the series opener against the Brewers on Monday night, still sore after fouling a pitch off his right foot Saturday against the Rockies.

"He's getting there," Cardinals manager Mike Shildt said.

Wong did some light conditioning on the field before the game and also took a few swings in the batting cage. He planned to take some ground balls and participate in batting practice before getting checked out further, which would determine his availability to pinch-hit at some point Monday.

"I talked to him a little bit, and it looks like he's going to be a bit of a warrior," Shildt said. "I know he's in some pain. We'll evaluate him and take it day by day."

With Wong out of the lineup, Shildt started switch-hitting Tommy Edman at second base while leaving Matt Carpenter in the starting lineup at third base despite less-than-ideal career numbers (2-for-21, six strikeouts) against Milwaukee left-hander Gio Gonzalez entering the game.

But after going 3-for-4 with a walk, a home run and two RBIs Sunday against the Rockies, Shildt opted to keep Carpenter in the lineup with the hope that he has started to snap out of what's been a frustrating slump.

"He's in a good place and we want to keep him going," Shildt said. "He's definitely earned the opportunity and he's capable of doing some damage against Gio."

Martinez starts rehab

Jose Martinez was slated to begin a Minor League rehab assignment Monday night with Double-A Springfield. Shildt said the outfielder, sidelined since Aug. 12 with a sprained right AC joint, did some defensive work before the game but served as the Cardinals' designated hitter.

Outfielder Tyler O'Neill is also rehabbing with Springfield as he recovers from a strained left wrist.

"He's moving forward," Shildt said. "He's going to play right field tonight and play a full game. He's checking the boxes."