Tagged: Tony La Russa

Manager Tony La Russa is back with the St. Louis Cardinals after missing a six-game road trip to be treated for shingles.

The Cardinals were 2-4 during La Russa's absence and were swept in a three-game weekend series at Cincinnati. They began a four-game homestand Monday night with the first of two games against the Philadelphia Phillies.

• St. Louis Cardinal's manager Tony La Russa says first baseman Albert Pujols and his representatives are being pressured by the players' union during contract negotiations. Pujols is eligible to become a free agent after the World Series and has set a deadline for 11 a.m. CST today to reach an agreement on a new deal. Pujols has vowed to cut off negotiations once he arrives at spring training. La Russa said Tuesday he thinks the three-time National League MVP is being pushed to set a new standard with his contract.