Cards trio preparing for possible Tuesday start

PITTSBURGH -- As the Cardinals continue to consider three pitchers for Tuesday's start in Cincinnati, each of the three keep preparing for the possibility of being pushed into the rotation.

Pitching coach Derek Lilliquist said that right-handers Michael Wacha and Carlos Martinez were scheduled to throw bullpen sessions before Saturday's Double-A game in Springfield (Mo.). Wacha last pitched Wednesday, while Martinez started a Triple-A game Thursday.

Lefty Tyler Lyons threw two clean innings for Memphis on Friday as a tune-up for his return. Lyons retired all six batters he faced, including two with strikeouts. He threw only 19 pitches, 13 of which were strikes. After the start, Lyons was optioned to Double-A so Memphis could open a roster spot for outfielder James Ramsey.

With Memphis entering the day tied for first place in their division and outfielder Adron Chambers expected to join the Major League club once rosters expand in September, Ramsey was summoned to help Memphis make a playoff push. A first-round pick in the 2012 First-Year Player Draft, Ramsey has climbed three Minor League levels in his first full professional season.

After a short stint in high Class A, Ramsey batted .251 with 11 doubles, 15 homers, 44 RBIs and 61 runs scored in 93 Double-A games.

Cardinals manager Mike Matheny said the club is likely to make its choice for Tuesday's start official Sunday.