Analysis: What’s odd is Rasmus slipped into the extended rut directly on the heels of the first four-hit game of his career on June 19. These are clearly the types of peaks and valleys owners who invest in a young talent like Rasmus must deal with. Despite the slump, though, the 22-year-old rookie is still batting .262 with seven dingers and 28 RBIs.

Cardinals | Rasmus not in lineup Tuesday

B.J. Rains, of MLB.com, reports St. Louis Cardinals OF Colby Rasmus (hernia) was available to play Tuesday, June 30, but was not in the starting lineup.

Kelly Shoppach is mired in a 4-for-25 slump, which has dropped

Kelly Shoppach is mired in a 4-for-25 slump, which has dropped his average to .203.

Analysis: What’s odd is Rasmus slipped into the extended rut directly on the heels of the first four-hit game of his career on June 19. These are clearly the types of peaks and valleys owners who invest in a young talent like Rasmus must deal with. Despite the slump, though, the 22-year-old rookie is still batting .262 with seven dingers and 28 RBIs.

Colby Rasmus was available for Tuesday night's game against

Colby Rasmus was available for Tuesday night's game against the Giants at Busch Stadium. Rasmus missed Monday's game with a hiatal hernia but wasn't in the lineup on Tuesday because the Giants sent lefty Randy Johnson to the hill. Rasmus, mired in a 2-for-24 slump, was unavailable on Monday after being put to sleep for a morning examination that was able to find the cause for his ongoing stomach pain. Manager Tony La Russa was hesitant to stick him in the lineup Tuesday, but added, "There's a good chance he'll play [Wednesday]." Yadier Molina (C)Jun 30 2009, 08:49 pm ET Bio | News Archive Yadier Molina (thigh) felt better after two days off and was back in the Cardinals lineup Tuesday. Molina, who bruised his right thigh during a collision at home plate with the Twins' Michael Cuddyer in a June 27 game, returned to the lineup and batted fifth. He was hitting .277 with five homers and 24 RBIs entering Tuesday's game.

Analysis: Rasmus missed Monday's game with a hiatal hernia but wasn't in the lineup on Tuesday because the Giants sent lefty Randy Johnson to the hill. Rasmus, mired in a 2-for-24 slump, was unavailable on Monday after being put to sleep for a morning examination that was able to find the cause for his ongoing stomach pain. Manager Tony La Russa was hesitant to stick him in the lineup Tuesday, but added, "There's a good chance he'll play [Wednesday]."

St. Louis Cardinals rookie outfielder Colby Rasmus has been

News: St. Louis Cardinals rookie outfielder Colby Rasmus has been diagnosed with a hiatal hernia, which has kept him out of the lineup the last three days. Rasmus, who was in a 2 for 24 slump, said the condition has been bothering him for a while and an exam earlier this week confirmed the diagnosis. Rasmus said he's been told heavy late-night eating is perhaps to blame for the pain in his stomach, but felt good enough Tuesday that he was available for backup duty. Manager Tony La Russa said Rasmus, who led NL rookies with seven homers and 28 RBI, likely would return to the lineup Wednesday. His last appearance was as a pinch hitter on Sunday. [...]

Colby Rasmus has been diagnosed with a hiatal hernia but remains

Colby Rasmus has been diagnosed with a hiatal hernia but remains available for pinch-hitting duties Tuesday night. Rasmus has missed three games with the condition, which is being blamed on "heavy late-night eating. [...]

Colby Rasmus has been diagnosed with a hiatal hernia but remains

Colby Rasmus has been diagnosed with a hiatal hernia but remains available for backup duty Tuesday night. Rasmus has missed three games with the condition, which is being blamed on "heavy late-night eating. [...]

Cardinals | Rasmus day-to-day

David Wilhelm, of the News-Democrat, reports St. Louis Cardinals OF Colby Rasmus (hernia) is listed as day-to-day after being diagnosed with a hiatal hernia. He was placed under anesthesia to determine the source of discomfort that he said "has been going on for a while." He has been told by doctors to avoid late-night meals. Rasmus is currently in a 2-for-24 slump that has dropped his average to .262.

Cardinals | Molina, Rasmus held out Monday

Joe Strauss, of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, reports St. Louis Cardinals C Yadier Molina (leg, hip) and OF Colby Rasmus (hernia) were both held out of the game Monday, June 29. Molina missed his second straight start with leg and hip discomfort after his collision Saturday, June 27. Rasmus is dealing with a hiatal hernia but is not expected to require surgery.

Rasmus was held out of Monday's lineup due to a hiatal hernia,

Rasmus was held out of Monday's lineup due to a hiatal hernia, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. [...]

Rasmus has hiatal hernia

Updating an earlier report, Colby Rasmus has been diagnosed with a hiatal hernia, according to MLBblogs.com.

Our View: The source states Rasmus is likely to return to the diamond Wednesday, but the Cardinals will be very cautious with their prized rookie outfielder.

Rasmus has hiatal hernia

Updating an earlie report, Colby Rasmus has been diagnosed with a hiatal hernia, according to MLBblogs.com.

Our View: The source states he is likely to return to the diamond Wednesday, but the Cardinals are yet to update the prized rookie's status.

Rasmus out of lineup

Colby Rasmus is out of tonight's lineup against the Giants while dealing with a stomach ailment, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Our View: Rasmus was placed under general anesthesia today while doctors examined him. The ailment may be caused by him eating late at night after games to replenish his body. He is currently struggling at a plate in a 2-for-24 slump, and could use a day off anyway.

Colby Rasmus is out with a stomach ailment. Rasmus was under

Colby Rasmus is out with a stomach ailment. Rasmus was under general anesthesia earlier Monday as doctors tried to determine the nature of his stomach problems. [...]

Cardinals OF Colby Rasmus had two hits, including his 17th double,

News: Cardinals OF Colby Rasmus had two hits, including his 17th double, and one run in four at-bats Friday against the Twins. Rasmus came into the game mired in a 0-for-15 slump. [...]

Rasmus out of lineup Thursday against Santana

Colby Rasmus is out of the Cardinals' lineup for their Thursday matinee in New York against the Mets. Rick Ankiel will patrol center, while Skip Schumaker moves from second base to left field.

Our View: With ace lefty Johan Santana on the hill for the Mets today, Cards' manager Tony La Russa has made the obvious decision to keep the left-handed hitting Rasmus on the bench. Colby is putting up a heck of a rookie campaign, and he holds decent fantasy value as he figures to continue to improve as the season wears on.

The Sports Xchange notes that Colby Rasmus has gone 0-for-12

News: The Sports Xchange notes that Colby Rasmus has gone 0-for-12 since getting four hits in a row on Friday in Kansas City. He fanned twice on off-speed pitches from the Mets' Tim Redding on Monday. [...]

Rasmus had four more hits Friday, pushing his batting average

Rasmus had four more hits Friday, pushing his batting average all the way up to .285. [...]

Rasmus had four more hits Friday pushing his batting average

Rasmus had four more hits Friday pushing his batting average all the way up to .285. [...]

Beware opposing pitchers, Rasmus has arrived. The much-hyped

Beware opposing pitchers, Rasmus has arrived. The much-hyped prospect has put all of his tools to work in June, ripping an out-of-sight .429 with a monstrous .714 slugging percentage and a .429 on-base percentage -- a mark made all the more impressive when you consider that Rasmus hasn't drawn a single walk in June. While the 22-year-old masher will certainly have to learn to be more selective at the dish, it's hard to argue with his current results. If he's still floating out there on your waiver wire, grab him immediately.

Colby Rasmus enjoyed his first career four-hit game in a win

Colby Rasmus enjoyed his first career four-hit game in a win over the Royals on Friday night. He's had three three-hit games already, including two this month, but this was his first four-hit contest. [...]

Cardinals | Rasmus records four hits Friday

The Associated Press reports St. Louis Cardinals OF Colby Rasmus had four hits and two RBIs Friday, June 19.

Rasmus went 3-for-4 with a triple and two RBI in the Cardinals'

Rasmus went 3-for-4 with a triple and two RBI in the Cardinals' win over the Tigers Wednesday. [...]

Cardinals rookie CF Colby Rasmus went 3 for 4 on Wednesday in

News: Cardinals rookie CF Colby Rasmus went 3 for 4 on Wednesday in a win over the Tigers. Rasmus tripled in the game and drove in two runs. He's hitting .271 on the year. [...]

Colby Rasmus had three hits, including a go-ahead triple, in

Colby Rasmus had three hits, including a go-ahead triple, in a win over the Tigers on Wednesday night. It was Rasmus' third career three-hit game and his second this month. [...]

Cardinals | Rasmus collects three hits Wednesday

The Associated Press reports St. Louis Cardinals OF Colby Rasmus collected three hits and two RBIs in a winning effort Wednesday, June 17. He is leading all National League rookies with seven home runs and 26 RBIs this year.

Rasmus, Molina lead Cardinals to win

Colby Rasmus had three hits and two RBIs as the Cardinals edged the Tigers, 4-3, at Busch Stadium on Wednesday night.

Colby Rasmus' bat leads Cardinals past Tigers

Rookie Colby Rasmus had three hits and two RBIs, both putting the St. Louis Cardinals ahead in a 4-3 victory over the Detroit Tigers on Wednesday night.

Rasmus triples in win

Colby Rasmus was 3-for-4 with two RBI and a triple in Wednesday's 4-3 win over the Tigers. It was the first triple of the 22-year-old's major league career.

Our View: Rasmus' average is up to .271, despite hovering around .250 most of the season. He was just 1-for-12 in his last three starts.

Another first for Rasmus

Colby Rasmus grounded into his first double play of the season on Tuesday according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Our View: This is significant because Rasmus was the last player in Major League Baseball with enough at-bats to qualify for the batting title to ground into a double play in 2009. It speaks volumes to his speed that he was able to stay out of a twin killing for so long. He is probably ready for an add in your league if he isn't already owned.

Rasmus (heel) was back in the lineup Saturday, but he went hitless

Rasmus (heel) was back in the lineup Saturday, but he went hitless in four at-bats. [...]

Colby Rasmus finished 0-for-4 with a strikeout in his return

Colby Rasmus finished 0-for-4 with a strikeout in his return to the starting lineup Saturday evening. Rasmus missed two consecutive games with a bruised heel. [...]

Colby Rasmus finished 0-for-4 with a strikeout in his return

Colby Rasmus finished 0-for-4 with a strikeout in his return to the starting lineup Saturday evening. Rasmus missed two consecutive games with a bruised heel. [...]

Colby Rasmus finished 0-for-4 with a strikeout in his return

Colby Rasmus finished 0-for-4 with a strikeout in his return to the starting lineup Saturday evening. Rasmus missed two consecutive games with a bruised heel. [...]

Colby Rasmus returned to action on Saturday June 13.

Colby Rasmus returned to action on Saturday June 13. .. [...]

Rasmus was not in the lineup Friday because he's recovering

Rasmus was not in the lineup Friday because he's recovering from a bruised left heel, MLBlogs reports. [...]

Rasmus remains out

Colby Rasmus remains out of the Cardinals' lineup Friday while recovering from a bruised heel, according to MLBblogs.com.

Our View: The injury is minor, and there is belief Rasmus could return to action Saturday.

Colby Rasmus remains out with a bruised heel. The injury isn't

Colby Rasmus remains out with a bruised heel. The injury isn't serious and the utility outfielder should be available to play by Saturday.Source: MLBlogs. [...]

Rasmus sits again

Colby Rasmus is not in the Cardinals lineup for a second consecutive day on Friday due to a bruised left heel according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Our View: So at least manager Tony La Russa actually has a reason to bench his quickly improving, slugging young outfielder this time. If by chance Colby isn't already owned in your league, you would be wise to snatch him up now.

Cardinals | Rasmus in midst of hitting streak

Joe Strauss, of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, reports St. Louis Cardinals OF Colby Rasmus is in the middle of a 10-game hitting streak. He finished up a three-game series this week by going 5-for-10. Rasmus is 15-for-32 during his hitting streak and leads National League rookies with seven home runs, 24 RBIs, 83 total bases and is tied with 12 multi-hit games.

Rasmus laced a pinch-hit single in the eighth inning Thursday

Rasmus laced a pinch-hit single in the eighth inning Thursday afternoon to give the Cardinals a 6-5 win at Florida. [...]

Rick Ankiel played center, Ryan Ludwick hit cleanup and Nick

Rick Ankiel played center, Ryan Ludwick hit cleanup and Nick Stavinoha moved into the starting lineup, playing left field. Skipper Tony LaRussa had said earlier this week that he was looking for more consistency from the cleanup spot, and Rasmus rose to the occasion with four hits, including a home run, in his first two games there. The rookie is holding his own with a .269 average, seven home runs and 23 RBIs this season, but given La Russa’s tendency to shake up the lineup, it’s difficult to bank on Rasmus remaining a fixture in the middle of the order.

Rasmus sitting

Colby Rasmus is not in the Cardinals lineup today against the Marlins.

Our View: Despite Rasmus' three-run homer yesterday, he is not playing today. Do not question the ways of Tony La Russa.

Rasmus sitting

Colby Rasmus is not in the Cardinals lineup today.

Our View: Despite Rasmus' three-run homer yesterday, he is not playing today. Do not question the ways of Tony La Russa.

Rasmus went 2-for-5 with a home run and three RBI in the Cardinals'

Rasmus went 2-for-5 with a home run and three RBI in the Cardinals' win over the Marlins Wednesday. [...]

Rasmus hits seventh home run

Colby Rasmus went 2-for-5 with a home run, three RBI, and two runs scored as St. Louis defeated Florida 13-4 on Wednesday.

Our View: Rasmus has shown a lot of improvement in the past few weeks, but the offense around him as limited his fantasy production. As those bats start to wake back up, they scored a season-high 13 runs tonight, Rasmus' numbers should see a spike.

Rasmus hits seventh home run

Colby Rasmus went 2-for-5 with a home run, three RBI, and two runs scored as St. Louis defeated Florida 13-4 on Wednesday.

Our View: Rasmus has shown a lot of improvement in the past few weeks, but the offense around him as limited his fantasy production. As those bats start to wake back up, they scored a season-high 13 runs tonight, Rasmus' numbers should see a spike.

Rasmus, Ankiel homer in Cardinals' 13-4 win

Rick Ankiel finished a single shy of the cycle and Colby Rasmus also homered as the St. Louis Cardinals snapped a five-game losing streak with a 13-4 victory over the Florida Marlins on Wednesday night.

Rasmus batted cleanup on Tuesday and had a single and double

Rasmus batted cleanup on Tuesday and had a single and double in four at-bats. [...]

Aggravating rookieFrom ESPN.com's Eric Karabell: "Talent-wise

Aggravating rookieFrom ESPN.com's Eric Karabell: "Talent-wise I think Rasmus has the tools, but he's not running. ... If he ends up with his current pace of 18 home runs, 61 RBIs and a .259 batting average, that doesn't do a whole lot for fantasy owners. ... The other issue is playing time. I am frustrated because it's obvious he's going to sit a few games each week, unless he really starts hitting. ... Rasmus could make this easier for himself by getting on a hot streak, but I don't see it."Leading OffTue, Jun 9 [...]

Cardinals CF Colby Rasmus had two doubles in Sunday's 7-2 loss

News: Cardinals CF Colby Rasmus had two doubles in Sunday's 7-2 loss to the Rockies. He went 2-for-4 in the game with a run scored and a strikeout. He increased his batting average to .259 with the performance. [...]

Ten of Colby Rasmus' past 13 hits have been for extra bases.

News: Ten of Colby Rasmus' past 13 hits have been for extra bases. [...]

Cardinals | Rasmus misses the cycle

The Associated Press reports St. Louis Cardinals OF Colby Rasmus singled, homered and doubled in his first three at-bats before grounding out in the eighth inning Monday, June 1, against the Cincinnati Reds.

Cardinals rookie OF Colby Rasmus, who no longer gets to play

News: Cardinals rookie OF Colby Rasmus, who no longer gets to play regularly with Rick Ankiel and Ryan Ludwick both back from the DL, got to start in place of Ludwick against the Reds on Monday. He went 3-for-4 with his sixth home run of the season, a double and two runs scored. [...]

Colby Rasmus went 3-for-4 with a homer and a double in a loss

Colby Rasmus went 3-for-4 with a homer and a double in a loss to the Reds on Monday night. Rasmus hit only .212 in May, but he did hit five home runs during the month and has gotten June off to a good start in the power department. [...]

Rasmus homers in loss

Colby Rasmus was solid in Monday's 5-3 loss to the Reds at Busch Stadium as he went 3-for-4 with a solo homer and two runs scored.

Our View: The rookie collected his sixth homer of the season. He needed to get off to a good start in June, as he hit a dismal .212 over 85 at-bats in May.

Rasmus went 3-for-4 with a solo homer in Monday's loss to Cincinnati.

Rasmus went 3-for-4 with a solo homer in Monday's loss to Cincinnati. [...]

There's a reason why Rasmus is so prized in keeper leagues --

There's a reason why Rasmus is so prized in keeper leagues -- he's a true five-tool prospect with the potential to become a major star in both Major League and fantasy baseball. In the short term, though, he's been struggling just to find regular time in the crowded Cardinals outfield. While Rasmus has near-unlimited potential, he appears to be in for limited and frustratingly sporadic playing time as Tony LaRussa tries to juggle an outfield that also includes the recovering-from-injury pair of Ryan Ludwick (.254) and Rick Ankiel (.221) and the semi-struggling Chris Duncan (.256 average, 38 strikeouts in 160 at-bats). Fewer strikeouts from Rasmus would help his case, but games like this one are a reminder of what he offers.