Worth noting

• Rookie outfielder Randal Grichuk got his first taste of Wrigley Field's brick outfield wall in the second inning of Friday's 6-5 loss to the Cubs. Grichuk ranged back on Welington Castillo's deep drive to the gap in right-center and nearly made the catch before crashing hard into the wall. Matheny said Grichuk is OK.

"Yeah, yeah, had to go fix the wall," Matheny said. "That one doesn't budge a whole lot but he's a little sore. He felt like he hit a wall but man, what an almost incredible play. Fortunate he didn't go down right there."

• Entering play Saturday, Peralta was tied for the Major League lead in home runs by a shortstop with seven. His six home runs in April set a Cardinals record by a shortstop.

• Three Cardinals hitters are ranked in the National League's top 10 in pitches seen per plate appearance, entering Saturday play: Matt Carpenter (8th- 4.22), Yadier Molina (9th- 4.21) and Peralta (10th- 4.20)

• Cardinals relievers struck out five of the 10 batters they faced Friday. Entering play Saturday, the bullpen has fanned 31 batters in 25 innings since April 24, good for a 11.16 K-per-nine rate over that span, which is second to only the Brewers' 12.21 rate.