Mon 10/13/14 6:36 PM

Molina (oblique) is optimistic he'll return at some point this postseason, Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports. Molina, who suffered a strained left oblique Sunday night, said the pain is the worst he's ever felt in his career, but he was able to throw on the field Monday. He's all but ruled out to start Tuesday's Game 3, but manager Mike Matheny is optimistic that he could use Molina as a defensive replacement, perhaps as early as Game 3. At the plate is where Molina will likely still be affected, as he suffered the injury swinging the bat and did not do so Monday. Until further notice, it appears as though if he plays, his impact will likely be felt defensively.