Cardinals injury update:Stephen Piscotty leaves game after collision

Cardinals outfielder Stephen Piscotty left last night's game on a stretcher after colliding with teammate Peter Bourjos.

Both outfielders were chasing down a fly ball to left-center field when Piscotty dove and hit his head against Bourjos' knee. Piscotty was lying on the ground motionless for a couple minutes following the collision. As he was carted off, he gave a wave to the fans in Pittsburgh.

Following the game, the Cardinals announced that all tests that Piscotty underwent came back negative. He still stayed at the hospital overnight for further evaluation. The team described the injury as a "head contusion", but no other details are known.

Coincidentally, injuries are what forced Piscotty into duty for the Cardinals. The team has used Matt Holliday, Bourjos, Jason Heyward, Randal Grichuk, Piscotty, John Jay and Tommy Pham in the outfield this season. Holliday missed significant time with a quad injury, forcing the Cardinals to use any outfielders they could find.

In 252 plate appearances, the 22-year-old Piscotty has hit .310/.365/.52 with seven home runs and 39 RBI. Piscotty missing any significant time would be a huge loss for St. Louis. However, they have the depth to be able to get themselves ready for the postseason. Jay and Grichuk are options for the Cardinals to turn to without having to completely maneuver their squad around.

Grichuk would likely get the bulk of playing time, as he has hit .280/.332/.559 with 17 homers and 47 RBI in 99 games this season, while Jay has struggled with a .219/.303/.269 line in 74 games.

At this stage, the hope is that the injury to Piscotty isn't too serious and that he is able to come back to the team sometime before the season ends. If not, the Cardinals appear equipped to replace him and continue their march to the World Series.