Scott Van Slyke (back) remains out of the lineup Friday against the Cardinals.

Van Slyke (back) remains out of the lineup Friday against the Cardinals.

Analysis:

Van Slyke is dealing with what's believed to be a mild back injury, which explains why he sat Thursday against a southpaw. The 28-year-old has been seeing semi-regular starts against both right-handers and lefties with Yasiel Puig and Carl Crawford out, but he's struggled this month (.214/.237/.304) and it's possible his exposure to right-handers could be more limited upon his return.