Brewers SS Hardy out of lineup

Jun 12, 2008 - 7:02 PM HOUSTON (Ticker) -- Milwaukee Brewers shortstop J.J. Hardy was held out of the starting lineup Thursday afternoon due to a sore left shoulder.

Hardy, who had surgery on the shoulder in 2004, will meet with team physicians Friday.

"I feel like I could play today, but it's one of those nagging, annoying things," Hardy told the Brewers' web site. "If I make one wrong move, my arm goes dead."

Brewers manager Ned Yost acknowledged that Hardy could be available to pinch-hit Thursday afternoon against the Houston Astros.

Hardy, 25, has battled with nagging pain in his shoulder since spring training and aggravated the injury during Wednesday's 10-6 victory over the Astros.

A four-year veteran, Hardy is batting .248 with four homers and 18 RBI this season. Craig Counsell started at shortstop Thursday for the Brewers.