Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina (thumb) likely to be on NLDS roster

Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina is likely to be on the NLDS roster, despite battling a mild ligament tear in his left thumb.

St. Louis Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina is likely to be on the NLDS roster, despite battling a mild ligament tear in his left thumb, the team announced Monday.

Molina, 33, sustained the injury on Sept. 20 against the Chicago Cubs while tagging out Anthony Rizzo as he attempted to score from third base on a fly out to rightfield. 

Following the injury, Molina rested for the remainder of the regular season and the Cardinals went on to clinch the NL Central Division without him. 

As the Cardinals’ starting catcher since 2005, Molina has been selected to seven consecutive All-Star teams. He batted .270 with four home runs, 61 RBIs and a .660 OPS during the regular season. 

The Cardinals will face the winner of the NL wild-card game between the Cubs and Pittsburgh Pirates in the NLDS beginning on Friday in St. Louis. 

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