ST. LOUIS - Cardinals outfielder Carlos Beltran is not in the starting lineup for tonight's Game 4 of the National League Championship Series at Busch Stadium.
Beltran, who departed after a first inning groundout in Game 3 Wednesday with a left knee strain, reported continued soreness to manager Mike Matheny Thursday afternoon. FOXSports.com's Ken Rosenthal reported that an MRI taken Wednesday night showed no additional structural damage.
"Carlos is still sore today," Matheny said. "He went through some tests and everything came back pretty clear. But still bothering him to the point where we can't start him. But he will be available as a pinch-hitter late in the game."
Matt Carpenter, who replaced Beltran and hit a game-winning, two-run homer in the Cardinals' 3-1 win Wednesday, will bat second and play first base. Allen Craig, who has played first base for much of the season, will shift to right field.
The complete Cardinals lineup for tonight's Game 4:
CARDINALS:
Jon Jay, CF
Matt Carpenter, 1B
Matt Holliday, LF
Allen Craig, RF
Yadier Molina, C
David Freese, 3B
Dan Descalso, 2B
Pete Kozma, SS
Adam Wainwright, P
GIANTS:
Angel Pagan, CF
Marco Scutaro, 2B
Buster Posey, 1B
Pablo Sandoval, 3B
Hector Sanchez, C
Hunter Pence, RF
Gregor Blanco, LF
Brandon Crawford, SS
Tim Lincecum, P
First pitch is scheduled for 7:07 pm CT on FOX. Complete postgame coverage will air on FOX Sports Midwest immediately following the game.
