The last thing the Cardinals need right now (or any day) is their big guy, Albert Pujols, going down, but that’s what just happened. Albert Pujols strained a muscle on his right side. Initially he was placed on the 15-day DL, but now there is concern that he may be out for much longer.

Today, Pujols is having an MRI to see how bad it is and how long he will be out. All signs are pointing to this injury being far worse than something that will go away in a week or two. Pujols is an offensive juggernaut for the Cardinals. This season he was batting .308 with 25 home runs and 65 RBIs.

On Sunday, Jim Edmonds made the start at first base in Pujols’ place. If Sunday is any clue, the Cardinals might be able to weather the storm. Jim Edmonds went 3 for 3 with a double, two runs, two RBIs and a walk. It is unlikely that Edmonds can duplicate that type of performance often, but the Cardinals need him to step it up.

The Cardinals are hanging on to first place by 3 games. They are 5-5 over their last 10 games. The Cincinnati Reds are in second place and they have won 4 in row. The Astros are on the outside looking in at this point as they are 8.5 games out of first place. Tonight the Cardinals play a very important game at home against the Reds. If they lose, the Reds are just 2 back and the pressure will be on.