First baseman Lance Berkman returned to the lineup Monday after being absent from manager Mike Matheny's initial card. The knuckle on Berkman's right middle finger became a source of concern after he took an awkward follow through during Saturday's loss to the Milwaukee Brewers.

Berkman described the condition as "no big deal" and made a convincing enough argument for Matheny to scratch Matt Carpenter. Berkman had the finger taped and acknowledged some lingering discomfort but said playing posed no risk of further injury.

"If Lance needed another day, we would have seen Carp at first base again," Matheny said, referring to Carpenter's start Sunday against Milwaukee.