Rotation plans set, but Wacha's role still in limbo

ST. LOUIS -- Manager Mike Matheny announced Sunday that Shelby Miller will start Wednesday against Pittsburgh and Lance Lynn will follow on Thursday. Adam Wainwright is pegged to start the series opener Tuesday.

For now, Matheny said rookie Michael Wacha's role is in limbo, although it's likely the right-hander will shift into the bullpen for the immediate future. Wacha's locker in the clubhouse was moved from its spot next to Wainwright to further down the row among the relievers.

Wacha made 11 relief appearances in the Minors last year, pitching in the Gulf Coast League, the Florida State League and with Double-A Springfield, which was mostly an effort to limit his innings as he was fresh off his last season at Texas A&M.

"Anything to stay up here, that's what I'm looking for," Wacha said. "Everything felt good when I was in the 'pen last year, but I guess we'll see."

Matheny said Friday that the Cardinals do not intend to move forward with a six-man rotation, in which Wacha would be the sixth starter. He said Sunday that the focus now is just getting the 22-year-old righty rested after his fourth big league start.

"He's going to recover from his start yesterday, and we'll just kind of keep moving forward," Matheny said.