Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina (thumb) exits NLDS Game 3

Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina exited Game 3 of the NLDS against the Cubs in the sixth inning when he aggravated his previously injured left thumb.

St. Louis Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina exited Game 3 of the NLDS against the Chicago Cubs when he aggravated his previously injured left thumb.

Molina, who was 0 for 2 in the game, was pinch hit for by Brandon Moss in the top of the sixth inning with the Cubs leading 5–4. 

The 33-year-old originally sustained the thumb injury on Sept. 20 against the 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. 

Entering Monday’s game in Chicago, the five-game series between the Cubs and Cardinals was tied at one game apiece.

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- Kayla Lombardo