Matheny weighs rotation options for Wednesday

ST. LOUIS -- With Shelby Miller's start being bumped to the first game of Saturday's doubleheader, the Cardinals rotation is now out of sync. Miller was originally scheduled to pitch again on Wednesday against the D-backs.

Manager Mike Matheny said the club will address the start over the coming days.

"We'll check out Wednesday when we get there," Matheny said. "But we have some options, depending on what happens between now and then."

If Matheny were to look to his bullpen for a starter, the most likely candidate is Joe Kelly, whom he said would have started Friday night had the game started with severe weather still threatening to cause in-game delays. Kelly has allowed 14 earned runs on 29 hits and seven walks while striking out 19 over 18 2/3 innings this season.

Jake Westbrook is beginning a rehab assignment at Double-A Springfield on Tuesday, but Matheny said he doesn't think the injured right-hander will be ready to go by Wednesday. Minor League options have been depleted in recent weeks, as the Cardinals have had to turn there with the numerous injuries to their pitching staff.

Matheny didn't rule out using a player on short rest, but said he wasn't in favor of that option. If one of Saturday's starters sees limited work, he said they could go again on just three days' rest. Game 2 starter Adam Wainwright has never started a game on fewer than four days of rest.

"Never rule anything out until we just kind of watch how things go," Matheny said. "We just don't get too far ahead."