Cardinals’ Yadier Molina cleared for attempt to be on playoff roster

ST. LOUIS – The Cardinals’ hope that Yadier Molina will be on the postseason roster and available to them in the division series increased Monday after their catcher met with a hand specialist in St. Louis.

While the damage to the ligament in his left thumb is still present, according to the team, Molina has been cleared to begin some baseball activities this week in preparation for Friday’s Game 1 at Busch Stadium. Molina is having a splint fashioned specifically for him that will allow him to catch and swing a bat.

He has been working on his grip strength as part of rehab.

In a statement released by the club, general manager John Mozeliak affirmed how he’s “optimistic that Yadier will be on our postseason roster.”

Molina tore the ligament in his left (glove hand) thumb while making a swipe tag at home plate during a game at Wrigley Field last month. The Cardinals said the severity of the tear was not enough to require surgery at this point, allowing Molina to attempt to be available for the postseason in some capacity.

Molina said Sunday that he wants to be available for any role possible, even a limited one if it can help the team.