MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- Both Cardinals GM John Mozeliak and manager Mike Matheny said there were positive reports from the back fields at Cardinals camp in Jupiter, Fla., about Lance Lynn's final spring tuneup Thursday, five days after he was taken out in the first inning of a 1-0 loss to the Marlins for what was described as precautionary reasons.
"He got to his 80-pitch limit and apparently looked very strong," said Mozeliak of Lynn, who is returning from November 2015 Tommy John surgery.
When asked if that meant he would start Lynn in Wednesday's series finale against the Cubs in St. Louis, Matheny said, "I'm leaning that way."
Right-hander Mike Leake makes his final spring start in an exhibition matchup against the Cardinals' Double-A affiliate, the Springfield Cardinals, on Friday at 5:05 p.m. CT. Matheny said he hopes to have the team's opening-week rotation plan at that point.