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Berkman to have MRI on left calf

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By Brian McTaggart / MLB.com

07/21/09 12:28 AM ET

HOUSTON -- Astros first baseman Lance Berkman will undergo an MRI on Tuesday to gauge the extent of the mild left calf strain that has slowed him in recent days.

Berkman, who returned to the starting lineup in Monday's 3-2 win over the Cardinals for the first time since straining his calf Thursday in Los Angeles, went 1-for-2 with a double, on which he gingerly rounded the bases. He stayed in the game and played all nine innings.

Astros general manager Ed Wade, who confirmed the scheduling of the MRI late Monday, called the procedure "precautionary."

Berkman didn't start the final three games of the Dodgers series and was limited to one pinch-hit at-bat in which he drew a walk and left for a pinch-runner.

Brian McTaggart is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.