Absent for two days to recover from a groin injury that traces back to his toe injury and compromised his swing, All-Star's pinch-hit double downs Rockies, 3-2.

ST. LOUIS — Brendan Donovan had every intention of returning to the St. Louis Cardinals’ lineup Monday. The team’s lone All-Star had missed two games with nagging groin discomfort but was hopeful he’d be available — even for one at-bat — in Monday’s series opener against the Colorado Rockies. He sure picked the right time.

The St. Louis Cardinals got some bad news on Saturday. Ahead of the Cardinals' clash against the Chicago Cubs, it was announced that All-Star utility man Brendan Donovan was scratched from the linup.