ST. LOUIS -- The Cardinals placed outfielder Randal Grichuk, among the top rookies in the National League, on the 15-day disabled list Monday because of a right elbow strain. Grichuk said he has a low-grade ligament sprain in the elbow.
Jason Heyward, the usual right fielder who made his first start of the season in center field in Grichuk's place, was taken out after two innings of Monday's 2-1 win over the San Francisco Giants due to left hamstring tightness. He was replaced by Tommy Pham, who was recalled from Triple-A Memphis before the game to fill Grichuk's roster spot.
After the game, Cardinals manager Mike Matheny said Heyward was undergoing tests after being unable to get the hamstring loose.
"We made the proactive move of just getting him out," Matheny said. "We're not going to go any further."
General manager John Mozeliak said Grichuk might be back in 15 or 20 days. The elbow injury is more common for pitchers, and because Grichuk wouldn't need to throw a lot and his hitting hasn't been affected, Mozeliak said the team could potentially use Grichuk sooner if they send out an infielder to shorten relay throws from the outfield.
"There are ways we can protect him," Mozeliak said. "Short term, this was in his best interest to let it quiet down, and then hopefully, this isn't a long stint."
Grichuk said he had soreness while throwing Saturday and believed he pulled something while making a throw to the plate in the first inning Sunday.
"I made three or four more throws in the game, and it kept pulling and pulling and pulling," Grichuk said. "They got me out before it could get any worse than it is. Very frustrating. [I] felt like I was swinging well, felt good at the plate."
Mozeliak believes the Cardinals will get Grichuk, Jon Jay, Matt Adams and Matt Holliday back for at least part of September. Adams (quad) is likely leaving for Florida on Friday to begin baseball activities and could start a rehab assignment after that.
Mozeliak said Brandon Moss, who has hit just 5-for-34 with one RBI since being acquired at the trade deadline, likely will get more everyday playing time.
The 24-year-old Grichuk is batting .284 with 15 homers and 44 RBIs in 85 games. He played primarily center field the past month. Center fielder Jay has been out most of the year with a wrist injury and is not close to returning.
Grichuk has 43 extra-base hits, the most among rookies.
"We can't put him in a spot while it's flared up to the point where we thought it could cause further damage," Matheny said. "The discussion has been, 'Let's get him some rest.'"
Grichuk missed time earlier this season because of a back injury. Mozeliak said Grichuk's durability was a "fair question."
"I think overall, when playing, he's a special player," the GM said. "Unfortunately, he has missed time, and he's going to miss more."
The 27-year-old Pham started 10 games the past month for the Cardinals. He was batting .327 at Memphis.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.