|
 Why?
Because he can, especially with first baseman Brandon Moss in the
mix.
Moss, acquired from the Cleveland Indians on July 30, gives the
Cardinals a formidable middle-of-the-order bat, allowing Matheny to
mix things up.
"We go through different periods where we want to take advantage of
guys that are really swinging the bat well, and then find some spots
for guys to help them get locked in again," he said. "And also try
to find out how Brandon Moss fits in. We're mixing guys around to
see what works."
Also helps that the Cardinals are facing Cincinnati, which limited
to one run in a three-game series last week at Busch Stadium.
For Tuesday's series opener at Great American Ball Park, red-hot
rookie Stephen Piscotty batted second, right fielder Jayson Heyward
hit third for the first time this season, making him the first
Cardinal to make starts in eight different lineup positions since
Colby Rasmus in 2010.
"Just trying to maximize the at-bats he's been able to put
together," said Matheny, of Heyward.
Additionally, Moss batted fifth and shortstop Jhonny Peralta
remained in the cleanup spot on Tuesday.
The moves didn't produce immediate results, thanks to another solid
outing by Reds right-hander Anthony DeSclafani who allowed a two-run
homer to third baseman Matt Carpenter in a 3-2 Cardinals loss.
Carpenter remained in the leadoff spot on Tuesday where he's batting
.361 with eight homers.
Matheny said he'll continue to juggle the batting order based on
performance and matchups.
"That's just how a season goes with the ups and downs," said
Matheny. "It's just about putting guys in spots where they're
comfortable where they are at that particular time. We'll see how it
goes. We have some flexibility."
-----------------------------------------------
MLB Team Report - St. Louis Cardinals - NOTES, QUOTES
RECORD: 67-39
STREAK: Lost one
NEXT: Cardinals (RHP Carlos Martinez, 11-4, 2.61 ERA) at Reds (LHP
David Holmberg, 1-0, 3.00 ERA)
PLAYER NOTES:
--RHP Jordan Walden had a setback in his recovery from a right
biceps injury so the Cardinals recalled him from his rehab
assignment. "One step forward, two steps back," said manager Mike
Matheny. He had posted an 0.87 ERA in 12 appearances prior to the
injury. Players can remain on rehab for up to 30 days, so the
Cardinals recalled him to stop that clock pending his recovery.
--RF Jayson Heyward batted third for the first time this season,
making him the first Cardinals player to make starts in eight
different lineup positions since Colby Rasmus in 2010. "Just trying
to maximize the at-bats he's been able to put together," said
manager Mike Matheny.
--RHP John Lackey allowed more runs in the first inning Tuesday than
he had in any start since June 8, giving up three runs on five hits
in a 3-2 loss at Cincinnati. But his struggles were short-lived.
Lackey allowed just one hit over the next five innings and retired
the final 14 batters he faced. "That first inning definitely could
have gone a little bit different," Lackey said. "I threw the ball
OK. I needed to make better pitches with two outs."
--3B Matt Carpenter batted leadoff again on Tuesday night and went
2-for-4 with a homer and two RBIs. Carpenter now is batting .361
with eight homers as a leadoff batter.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "That first inning definitely could have gone a
little bit different. I threw the ball OK. I needed to make better
pitches with two outs." -- Cardinals RHP John Lackey, after a loss
to the Reds on Tuesday.
-----------------------------------------------
MLB Team Report - St. Louis Cardinals - ROSTER REPORT
MEDICAL WATCH:
--RHP Jordan Walden (right biceps inflammation) went on the 15-day
disabled list retroactive to April 30, and he was transferred to the
60-day DL on June 30. He began a rehab assignment with Double-A
Springfield on July 23, then moved his rehab to Triple-A Memphis on
July 29. He was recalled from his rehab assignment on Aug. 4 due to
a setback.
[to top of second column] |
--LF Matt Holliday (right quad strain) went on the 15-day disabled
list July 30. He is out with the same injury for the second time in
less than two months. The Cardinals hope Holliday will return by the
end of the season.
--RHP Matt Belisle (right elbow) went on the 15-day disabled list
June 26, and he was transferred to the 60-day DL on July 24. He
experienced a setback in his rehab in July, and the club shut him
down. He was throwing again in early August, but there remains no
timetable for his return.
--CF Jon Jay (stress reaction and bone bruise in left wrist) went on
the 15-day disabled list retroactive to July 1.
--1B Matt Adams (strained right quadriceps) went on the 15-day
disabled list May 27, and he was transferred to the 60-day DL on
June 5. He underwent surgery May 29, and he is out until at least
late August.
--RHP Adam Wainwright (sore left ankle and left Achilles tendon)
went on the 15-day disabled list April 26, and he was transferred to
the 60-day DL on April 30. He underwent season-ending surgery April
30.
ROTATION:
RHP John Lackey
RHP Michael Wacha
RHP Carlos Martinez
RHP Lance Lynn
LHP Jaime Garcia
BULLPEN:
RHP Trevor Rosenthal (closer)
LHP Kevin Siegrist
RHP Jonathan Broxton
LHP Randy Choate
RHP Seth Maness
RHP Carlos Villanueva
RHP Steve Cishek
CATCHERS:
Yadier Molina
Tony Cruz
INFIELDERS:
1B Mark Reynolds
2B Kolten Wong
SS Jhonny Peralta
3B Matt Carpenter
INF Pete Kozma
INF Greg Garcia
OUTFIELDERS:
LF Brandon Moss
CF Randal Grichuk
RF Jason Heyward
OF Peter Bourjos
OF/INF Stephen Piscotty
-----------------------------------------------
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