The Cardinals, after winning Friday's opener with a rally after losing a six-run lead, continue a road series Saturday against the Diamondbacks. First pitch is set for 7:10 p.m.
Right-hander Kyle Gibson (1-1, 6.23) will take the mound in his third start as a Cardinal. Gibson gave up seven earned runs in six innings last time out, vs. Miami.
Gibson has thrown his cutter more than any other pitch for the first time this season, and opponents are batting .364 against that pitch. He's thrown it 41% more this season than last.
The Diamondbacks will counter with right-hander Ryne Nelson (0-2, 8.22). His numbers are inflated by a poor first outing, when the Yankees knocked him around for five earned runs in 2 2/3 innings on April 1.
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Nelson threw his fastball 54.6% of the time last season, among leaders for starting pitchers. Batters hit it at a .308 average. Those numbers have improved this year as he worked on in the offseason.
The Cardinals are 7-7, last in the NL Central. Their nine runs Friday were a season high, a positive sign for the Redbirds' struggling offense.
The Diamondbacks are 6-8, third in the NL West. Five of their wins have come vs. the Rockies, one of the worst teams in baseball thus far.
Lineups
CARDINALS
1. Brendan Donovan, DH
2. Paul Goldschmidt, 1B
3. Nolan Gorman, 2B
4. Nolan Arenado, 3B
5. Willson Contreras, C
6. Lars Nootbaar, LF
7. Jordan Walker, RF
8. Masyn Winn, SS
9. Victor Scott II, CF
P: Kyle Gibson, RHP
DIAMONDBACKS
1. Ketel Marte, 2B
2. Corbin Carroll, CF
3. Lourdes Gurriel Jr., LF
4. Christian Walker, 1B
5. Joc Pederson, DH
6. Eugenio Suárez, 3B
7. Gabriel Moreno, C
8. Jace Peterson, SS
9. Jake McCarthy, RF
P: Ryne Nelson, RHP
Injury report
Tommy Edman (wrist surgery):ÌýOn the 10-day IL, Edman received clearance to restart a swing program.has taken dry swings and is expected to progress to hitting off of a tee before advancing to soft toss and then coach pitch and machine pitch. This could be a lengthy return with a cautious approach because of setbacks during spring training.ÌýUpdated April 12
Matt Carpenter (oblique strain):ÌýPlaced on the 10-day injured list, backdated to April 2, ahead of the home opener after feeling discomfort in his torso April 2 after he went through his pregame routine in the batting cage. As of Friday, he has been taking swings and hitting off a tee as well as soft toss. Though not taking full-speed swings, Marmol described it as “progress is being made†with Carpenter. Updated April 12
Riley O'Brien (flexor tendon):ÌýPlaced on the 15-day injured list Sunday morning, 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. could start a throwing program as early as Monday.ÌýUpdated April 12 Ìý
Dylan Carlson (sprained shoulder): On 10-day IL, Carlson, as of Monday, he has been cleared to begin strengthening exercises, but he is still limited when it comes to baseball activities. He could begin a swing progression as early as Monday.ÌýUpdated April 12
Keynan Middleton (forearm strain): On the 15-day IL, Middleton received a PRP injection to facilitate healing. He will slowly begin 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.ÌýUpdated April 8
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’ll be on a throwing program to rebuild arm strength and ready for a likely assignment to Class AAA Memphis’ rotation.ÌýUpdated April 8