Jaime goes five innings in Triple-A rehab start

ST. LOUIS -- Jaime Garcia threw 74 pitches in a rehab start for Triple-A Memphis on Monday as he inched closer to a return to the Cardinals' rotation.

After having his first rehab start unexpectedly shortened due to being hit by a second-inning pitch, Garcia lasted five innings in this extended outing. He gave up a home run on his second pitch of the night and allowed another run in the fourth, an inning compounded by an error and a wild pitch.

In total, Garcia allowed three hits and two earned runs while walking two and striking out five. He threw 45 of his pitches for strikes. He did not earn a decision, as Memphis came back to tie the game at 2 after Garcia's exit.

The Cardinals have not confirmed what is next for Garcia, though he may need one more rehab start before being considered ready to rejoin the big league team so that he can push himself closer to the 100-pitch mark. His schedule has him matched up to pitch on the same day as the Cardinals' fifth starter, which could make him a potential replacement for Tyler Lyons. Lyons has been filling in for an injured Joe Kelly.