Molina returns after leaving Cards to head home for basketball title

St. Louis Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina's other sporting pursuit led to his brief absence from the team this past weekend.

After he missed the previous two contests, the Cardinals reinstated Molina from the restricted list ahead of Monday's game against the Chicago Cubs. The 40-year-old said he left the club to return to Puerto Rico to watch the basketball team he owns, the Vaqueros de Bayamon, play for a championship.

Molina described it as "a business trip," adding that St. Louis didn't have a problem with him leaving.

"We (the Cardinals and I) have a great relationship. They've known I've owned the team for many years and that this was important to me," Molina said, according to Katie Woo of The Athletic.

"It was a tough (decision). Obviously you want to be here with your team and doing your job. On the business side, you have to be there with your team and the people too. I'm glad it was only two days."

Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol confirmed the team's view, calling the 19-year veteran's absence a "non-issue." Molina hit eighth against the Cubs on Monday and will also catch the first game of Tuesday's doubleheader at Wrigley Field.

Molina bought the Vaqueros - which represents his hometown of Bayamon, Puerto Rico - in 2020. The club won its second title under his ownership and 16th overall Saturday, defeating Atleticos de San German 75-61.

The 10-time All-Star is in the final months of his career with the Cardinals. It's been a rough season for Molina as he entered play Monday sporting a career-low .527 OPS with only two homers in 185 plate appearances.