Beltran not in Cardinals lineup for NLCS Game 4

ST. LOUIS -- Cardinals outfielder Carlos Beltran was not listed in the Game 4 lineup tonight due to a left knee strain he suffered in Game 3. Matt Carpenter, who came off the bench to replace Beltran in Game 3 and hit a two-run homer, was listed as the rightfielder, hitting second.

Beltran underwent an MRI during the rain delay in Game 3 Wednesday. The MRI showed no structural damage. But when Beltran reported to the Cardinals clubhouse today for treatment, he reported still feeling pain in the knee. It was not immediately clear if Beltran would be available to hit coming off the bench in Game 4. The Cardinals consider his availability a matter of pain tolerance and hope he could return to the starting lineup for Game 5.