After pulling Matt Carpenter for a pinch hitter in the ninth inning Saturday, Cardinals manager Mike Matheny said Carpenter needs to communicate with him about nicks and bruises, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Carpenter was dealing with some oblique soreness, though downplayed the issue. Matheny saw Carpenter trying to stretch the injury in the on-deck circle, and decided to pull him from the game. Matheny also expressed a desire for Carpenter to be up front with him about minor nicks and bruises, saying he doesn't need to push through anything to keep his roster spot.
Carpenter was able to play Sunday, but did not register a hit. His oblique soreness is not thought to be an issue going forward.