"Cardinals manager Tony La Russa sat right fielder Ryan Ludwick against Reds starter Bronson Arroyo until calling upon him for a seventh-inning at-bat Sunday.

Ludwick struck out, ending an eight-game hitting streak.

La Russa told Ludwick his decision to start rookie Jon Jay in right field was primarily motivated by a desire to keep Ludwick fresh.

Ludwick, 18 for 35 during his hitting streak, is the Cardinals' only player to appear in every game this season.

La Russa started Jason LaRue at catcher after noticing a fatigued and frustrated Yadier Molina on Saturday night. Molina struck out twice during an 0-for-four night."