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RHP Michael Wacha (17-6, 3.15 ERA) will start the first game
of Wednesday's day-night doubleheader at Pittsburgh as the
Cardinals would clinch their third straight National League
Central title with a win. Wacha is 6-2 with a 2.90 ERA in his
last 10 starts and 3-0 with a 1.93 ERA against the Pirates in
six career games, including five starts. He is the first
Cardinals' pitcher 24 or younger to win 17 games in a season
since Joe Magrane in 1989.
RHP Tyler Lyons (2-1, 3.96 ERA) will start the second game of
Wednesday's day-night doubleheader at Pittsburgh. Lyons is
taking the rotation spot of RHP Carlos Martinez, who sustained a
season-ending shoulder strain in the first inning of his start
Sept. 25 against Milwaukee. Lyons will be making his eight start
of the season but first since Sept. 2. He is 0-2 with a 3.51 ERA
against the Pirates in six career games, including three starts.
Pittsburgh INF/OF Josh Harrison is 5-for-12 (.417) with a double
and a triple against Lyons and LF Starling Marte is 3-for-8
(.375) with a triple and a home run.
OF/1B Stephen Piscotty was released from Allegheny General
Hospital on Tuesday after leaving Monday night's 3-0 win at
Pittsburgh with a head contusion following a violent collision
with CF Peter Bourjos. Piscotty passed all the concussion and
neurological tests and has been cleared to play, though the
Cardinals don't have a timetable for his return. Piscotty, who
was playing left, was kneed in head by Bourjos, who was able to
hold on to the ball after catching a deep drive by Pittsburgh 3B
Josh Harrison.
C Yadier Molina returned to the team Tuesday after having his
injured left thumb examined Monday by team doctors in St. Louis.
Molina, who has been out since Sept. 21 with a partially torn
left ligament, will be reexamined Sunday but said he is
encouraged about being available for postseason play because the
strength in his thumb is improving.
RHP Adam Wainwright will be activated from the disabled list
prior to Wednesday's doubleheader at Pittsburgh and will be
available to pitch in relief. Wainwright, the longtime ace of
the rotation, has been out since April 26 with a torn left
Achilles but overcame long odds to return this season. The
Cardinals will initially limit him to one-inning stints.
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