Cishek hopes to capitalize on familiarity with Fish

ST. LOUIS -- After spending more than eight years as a member of the Marlins' organization, Steve Cishek is looking forward to the opportunity to use familiarity to his advantage.

Though he spent time Friday afternoon fraternizing with his old friends and teammates, Cishek said he believes that his time watching Miami's hitters up close can benefit him if he's called in from the bullpen during this three-game series. Of course, the Marlins know a thing or two about him, as well.

"I've been going over in my head how I want to attack each guy when given the opportunity," Cishek said. "I know their tendencies. They know my tendencies. I just have to be smart with it. I know for a fact that certain guys know how I'm going to attack them. Whether I want to mix it up or not just depends. I usually just like to stick my strengths."

Cishek made 284 appearances with Miami before being dealt to St Louis for Minor League pitcher Kyle Barraclough on July 24. Since then, Cishek has allowed one run in seven appearances. An absence of opportunity has limited Cishek to one outing since Aug. 5, which means he comes into the series plenty rested.

"I just want to go out there and do whatever I can to help the Cardinals," Cishek said. "That's what I got traded over here for. Even if it's my old team and friends, it would mean a lot more to me to put them down."

WORTH NOTING
• Manager Mike Matheny said that Matt Adams (right quad strain) has "blown away" him and the medical staff with how well he has responded to recent running work. The Cardinals will continue to push Adams through additional tests before considering him for a Minor League rehab assignment. Adams remains ahead of schedule with his rehab, which was initially expected to last until the end of the regular season.

• The Cardinals have not made any changes to their rotation order, Matheny said, despite the fact that Lance Lynn threw just 41 pitches in his start on Thursday. But Matheny acknowledged that he has not yet completely ruled out bringing Lynn back on short rest.

• Prior to Saturday's game, third baseman Matt Carpenter will be presented with the team's Heart and Hustle Award. The award, which has now gone to Carpenter for three straight seasons, recognizes one player from each club who demonstrates a passion for the game of baseball and best embodies the values, spirit and tradition of the game.

• Right-hander Arturo Reyes was promoted to Triple-A Memphis on Friday after going 7-7 with a 2.64 ERA in 17 Double-A starts.