13 Matt Carpenter 1B

Carpenter is not in the lineup against the Dodgers on Saturday.

Carpenter will take a seat for the first time since Aug. 29, when he was battling a minor illness. Though Carpenter did go 0-for-4 with three strikeouts Friday, it's a little surprising manager Mike Shildt would keep him out of the starting nine during such a pivotal showdown with Los Angeles as both teams fight for postseason contention. That said, there hasn't been any word on a potential injury and with another left-hander in Rich Hill on the mound Saturday, it's entirely possible Shildt is just giving the 32-year-old a well-earned day off. Patrick Wisdom will man first base and bat sixth in the order in his absence.

Carpenter went 2-for-5 with two runs in a loss to the Dodgers on Thursday.

Carpenter continues to get on base at an elite clip, with Thursday's two-hit effort pushing his on-base percentage for September to .375. The veteran is slated to move back to first base on an everyday basis with the return of Jedd Gyorko (groin) from the disabled list and sports a .270/.386/.553 line on the season that's partly comprised of a career best in home runs (35).

Carpenter (illness) is back in Thursday's lineup at third base for the series finale against Pittsburgh.

Carpenter won't miss any additional time after leaving Wednesday's contest due to nausea in the fourth inning. Dating back to the start of the second half, Carpenter has hit .299/.417/.681 with 15 home runs and 28 RBI. With Jedd Gyorko (groin) on the DL, look for Carpenter to receive a few starts at the hot corner in order to get Matt Adams in the lineup.

Carpenter went 2-for-5 with a run in a win over the Pirates on Tuesday.

Carpenter had allowed NL pitchers a brief respite during a recent slump, but no more Mr. Nice Guy -- he's 7-for-13 with four doubles, two RBI and three runs over his last three games. The veteran infielder is having a "down month" in batting average (.260) compared to his incandescent July (.333), but that still equates to a .383 on-base percentage, .583 slugging percentage, eight home runs and 14 RBI.

Carpenter went 4-for-5 with four doubles, two RBI and two runs scored in Sunday's 12-3 blowout win in Colorado.

Carpenter has given opposing pitcher's nightmares since the start of the second half and Sunday's four-double performance was no exception. The 32-year-old now has 38 doubles and 34 homers this season with 87 runs scored. Carpenter continues pushing St. Louis towards the postseason as he strengthens his MVP candidacy.