Cardinals manager Mike Shildt had some positive updates to his injury list before Sunday’s series finale against the Reds. The phrase “optimistic but proceeding with caution” was said more than once, when the skipper provided updates on Yadier Molina and Harrison Bader's status.

Shildt feels confident that Molina will avoid a trip to the IL and join his teammates soon. Before the game, Molina underwent one last round of imaging to ensure his tendon in his right foot is not “impaired."

The additional imaging is out of an abundance of caution, per Shildt, “so we don't do anything to compromise anything on a longer-term basis. … but typical Yadi he’s ready to get back in there.”

Despite remaining out of the lineup, Molina still leads the team with a .339 batting average 14 RBIs.

Without their best offensive player, the Cardinals were still able to shut out the Reds Saturday night, 2-0, however, it was the lowest number of runs scored in a win for this team so far this season.

Bader has yet to join his team this season after suffering a right forearm strain the last week of Spring Training. Shildt says he is progressing and could join the team within the next seven or 10 days.

“I think there's some optimism there for sure,” Shildt said. “We always say this and then something happens like, 'Wow, why were you so bullish?' Well, he's healthy, feeling good, moving in a good direction. He's got to get his volume up.”

Bader is seeing live batting practice and throwing balls “from as far as he needs to throw them."

The Cardinals’ defense, which was projected to be its strong suit, could use Bader back in the outfield. The team is producing just league-average defensive play, with 12 errors and 4.55 runs per game.

Oviedo fills out six-man rotation
The Cardinals will move to a six-man rotation, with Johan Oviedo projected to make his first start of the season on Wednesday. The righty pitched 4 2/3 shutout innings for the Cardinals on April 11, after coming on in relief for starter Daniel Ponce de Leon in the second inning.

The formal announcement is expected on Monday, but Shildt said pregame that it wasn’t a “state secret” who would be up on the pitcher’s mound.

The Cards’ starting rotation has turned it around over the last five games, dropping the starters' 6.24 ERA down to 1.47.