La Russa returns to manage Cards

St. Louis  Manager Tony La Russa returned to the St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday, a day after the death of his 90-year-old father, Anthony.

The team had said La Russa left Tuesday for Tampa, Fla., where his father lived, but the manager never left town. After writing the lineup card, he stayed in his Busch Stadium office during the Cardinals’ 6-5 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers.

“I just couldn’t handle it yesterday,” La Russa said. “That would have been a disservice to the people I’m responsible to. I put out the lineup and got out of the way.”

Services for Anthony La Russa are set for Saturday. La Russa said that day’s game against the Astros probably will be the only other game he misses.

Abreu ailing

Philadelphia  Phillies right fielder Bobby Abreu left Wednesday’s game against Atlanta in the third inning because of a left hamstring strain. Abreu, batting .385 with one homer, had a double in the first inning.

Larkin hurts ribcage

Pittsburgh  Cincinnati Reds shortstop Barry Larkin left Wednesday night’s game against Pittsburgh after aggravating an injury to his left ribcage. Larkin missed Monday’s game with the injury.