Slated to pitch Sunday, Waino weighs All-Star Game

ST. LOUIS -- While now aware that Adam Wainwright has the prerogative to pitch in the All-Star Game if he wants, the Cardinals have not decided whether they'll recommend he do so.

A change in the Cardinals' pitching schedule now has Wainwright set to pitch Tuesday and next Sunday, the final game before the All-Star break. A rule change implemented in the most recent Collective Bargaining Agreement now allows "Sunday pitchers" to throw a maximum of one inning in the All-Star Game.

There's also a clause, though, that allows those pitchers to remove themselves from the active roster ahead of time if they know they will not be available to pitch. In those cases, a replacement pitcher can then be named to the squad.

"I enjoy the All-Star Game for these guys; I think it's a huge reward. But I also understand that it can be taxing on them, too," manager Mike Matheny said. "We have to weigh all things as we get closer."

Tuesday would be Wainwright's normal day to throw a side session, so a short All-Star Game appearance could take the place of that. The Cardinals, however, also have to factor in when Wainwright will pitch coming out of the break. The club has not set its rotation beyond next weekend.

"We'll have that conversation," Matheny said, "and give you guys a little more information as we go."