Matt Adams Injury: Updates on Cardinals 1B's Back and Return

St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Matt Adams left the field during Thursday's game against the Washington Nationals with mid-back stiffness, the team announced. It's unclear when he will return.

Continue for updates.

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Adams Out vs. Nationals

Saturday, May 28

The Nationals announced Adams was not in the lineup against the Nationals on Saturday. 

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Adams Provides Cardinals with Power Threat When Healthy

Losing Adams from the lineup is concerning because of the fact he missed 102 games last season after suffering a torn right quad.

The 27-year-old also suffered a left knee contusion back in May, creating further cause for alarm.

Adams is a heavier-set player who possesses upside as a hitter but is limited in terms of defensive ability. He has to be at 100 percent to have a positive impact at his corner of the diamond.

All-Star outfielder Matt Holliday has minimal experience playing first base, so the Cardinals will likely continue to turn to veteran Moss while Adams is out.

Moss and Adams present a positional dilemma, because both have proved to be capable starters. For the latter to have a chance to unseat Moss, who's on a one-year expiring contract, he'll have to find a way to stay healthier.