Scuffling Bourjos out of lineup in favor of Jay

NEW YORK -- With the Cardinals struggling to score runs, manager Mike Matheny is looking for anyone who can change things while becoming less patient with those who aren't hitting.

So Jon Jay was back in center field on Tuesday night against the Mets, and Peter Bourjos was out of the lineup for the third time in four games.

Bourjos entered play Tuesday hitless in eight at-bats since an infield single last Tuesday in Milwaukee, dropping his average to .190 and his on-base percentage to .261. Jay, who has a .341 on-base percentage, entered Tuesday with eight hits on the road trip.

"I'm trying to get the guys in there that are taking good at-bats," Matheny said. "Peter Bourjos is going to get opportunities. Right now, we've got to get something going."

Matheny said he spoke with Bourjos.

"I'm just trying to find his swing, like about half our lineup," Matheny said. "He's got the right approach. He's trying to stay through the ball. He's just finding himself in deep counts and trying to hit tough pitches. It doesn't usually work out for anybody."

Matheny indicated that Bourjos would be in the lineup Wednesday against Mets left-hander Jon Niese.