ST. LOUIS — Rookie outfielder Colby Rasmus plans to change his diet, change his habits and is braced for the notion that he may have to give up chewing tobacco as well — all to keep his stomach from turning into a problem that can keep him off the field.

“No more eating big meals at night,” Rasmus said before dipping a spoon into some strawberry yogurt. “No more eating big meals at all.”

Rasmus is not in the starting lineup tonight, but he’s available to pinch hit and play the outfield, manager Tony La Russa said. The St. Louis Cardinals rookie center fielder has been slowed by a hiatal hernia. He met with team doctors, had pictures taken of his stomach, and discovered that part of the problem — part of what’s causing him such abdominal pain — is what and when he eats. It may also be chewing tobacco.

Rasmus said this afternoon that he had some troubles with a similar discomfort in his stomach during spring training. He asked around about what some of the reasons could be and he followed one suggestion.

“I haven’t dipped since spring training,” he said. “My stomach was bothering me during spring training, so I quit dipping.”

Quit for a bit.

During the season, he picked up a wad or two, but the stomach is back aching. He understands the connection, and knows it could lead him to follow the paths of teammates Chris Carpenter and Chris Duncan, both of whom have quit chewing tobacco this season. He stressed that it will be “a choice” for him.

In the meantime, no more heavy dinners before bedtime. No more big meals through the day.

“Just pounding yogurt,” he said.

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