Lynn returns from DL for Miami series finale

MIAMI -- On the 15-day disabled list since June 8 with right forearm strain, Cardinals starter Lance Lynn is set to return to the rotation for Thursday night's series finale against Miami at Marlins Park.

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"I'm just looking forward to competing again," Lynn said. "I've been out for two weeks and you never want to not be able to compete. So I'm just looking forward to getting back out there."

Lynn, who is 4-4 with a 3.07 ERA, last pitched on June 7 against the Dodgers in Los Angeles. The righty threw 98 pitches and allowed two runs in five innings before exiting with discomfort in his right forearm. He was then placed on the 15-day DL on June 12, retroactive to June 8.

In preparation for his return, the 28-year-old threw a 50-pitch bullpen session on Saturday and reported no issues.

"Everything feels good," Lynn said.

Left-hander Tyler Lyons was optioned to Triple-A Memphis to make roster space for Lynn.

In his other start this month, Lynn tossed 7 2/3 scoreless innings in a win against the Brewers on June 2. Over his last seven outings, he's 3-2 with a 3.07 ERA.

"He's one of our new leaders -- a guy that's taken that next step in his career," manager Mike Matheny said. "He wants to be one of the horses -- a guy that goes out there and soaks up innings and a guy that can come in and stop a bad streak. He has the ability to do that. So we're excited to have him back and excited to have him feeling better."