In today’s 10 a.m. “Ten Hochman” sports video — brought to you by Siteman Cancer Center — Ben Hochman discusses Jordan Walker, sent down to Memphis to work on reducing ground balls. Also, a happy birthday shoutout to Cedric The Entertainer! And as always, Hochman picks a random Ƶ Car…
The Cardinals made a couple of moves early Wednesday as they prepare wrap up a disastrous six-game homestand Wednesday afternoon with the rubber game against the Diamondbacks. First pitch is set for 12:15 p.m.
Right-hander Kyle Gibson (1-2, 5.04) will take the mound Wednesday for the Cardinals. Gibson is coming off his best start as a Redbird. He allowed one run in six innings vs. Milwaukee on Friday.
Ƶ dealt the lefty to Texas at the trade deadline last summer. A free agent this past offeason, Arizona inked Montgomery to a one-year, $25 million deal as this season began.
Because of that late signing, this will be Montgomery's second start of the year. He went six innings and allowed one run vs. San Francisco last week.
Catcher Willson Contreras left in the fifth inning Tuesday night after irritating an existing hand injury. He is the designated hitter and will bat second Wednesday.
The Cardinals are 10-14, last in the NL Central and one game better than last season's pace through 24 games. Just two National League teams have a worse run differential than the Redbirds' minus-30. Last season through 24 games, Ƶ' run differential was just minus-7.
The Diamondbacks are 12-13, third in the NL West. Their 148 runs scored lead the majors.
Lineups
CARDINALS
1. Brendan Donovan, LF
2. Willson Contreras, DH
3. Nolan Arenado, 3B
4. Paul Goldschmidt, 1B
5. Iván Herrera, C
6. Lars Nootbaar, RF
7. Masyn Winn, SS
8. Nolan Gorman, 2B
9. Michael Siani, CF
P: Kyle Gibson, RHP
DIAMONDBACKS
1. Pavin Smith, RF
2. Blaze Alexander, SS
3. Joc Pederson, DH
4. Christian Walker, 1B
5. Eugenio Suárez, 3B
6. Jake McCarthy, LF
7. Corbin Carroll, CF
8. Kevin Newman, 2B
9. Tucker Barnhart, C
P: Jordan Montgomery, LHP
Injury report
Tommy Edman (wrist surgery): On the 10-day IL, Edman took swings off a tee as a left-handed hitter on Friday after taking swings from the right side on Thursday. He will advance through the usual hitting progression (coach pitch, then a pitching machine) as tolerated. Updated April 20
Matt Carpenter (oblique strain): Placed on the 10-day injured list, backdated to April 2 after feeling discomfort in his torso pregame. He received an injection Monday and will go through three days without activity before he resumes hitting. After the three days, Carpenter is scheduled to take swings on pitches from a coach and then from a pitching machine before he likely takes at-bats through a rehab assignment. Updated April 22
Riley O'Brien (flexor tendon): Placed on the 15-day injured list on March 31 retroactive to March 29, O'Brien's right arm tightened up after his opening day appearance. The initial diagnosis is strain of the flexor tendon; scans showed no structural damage. He began his throwing progression Tuesday. Updated April 23
Dylan Carlson (sprained shoulder): On 10-day IL, Carlson took on-field batting practice from both sides of the plate on Monday as he advances on a hitting program. He has been able to hit off a hitting tee, front toss and inside in the batting cage while also going through defensive work. His batting cage work came as a lefty. He will advance as comfortable and hopes to take on-field batting practice this week. Updated April 22
Keynan Middleton (forearm strain): On the 15-day IL, Middleton extended the distance of his catch April 17 and will slowly progress through a throwing program that could put him several weeks away from returning to the mound for any workouts that would be similar to a bullpen session. Updated April 17
Drew Rom (biceps tendinitis): On the 15-day IL, Rom experienced the soreness in his left arm shortly before the end of spring training. He has continued going through plyometric exercises, but is scheduled to be reevaluated in the coming days as his recovery has “stalled.” Updated April 23