The Cardinals wrap up a road series Wednesday against the Pirates. First pitch is set for 11:35 a.m. Ƶ time.
The two teams have split the first two games, both by 2-1 scores.
For the Cardinals, left-hander Matthew Liberatore (2-2, 4.15) will start the bullpen game necessitated by this past Saturday's doubleheader.
Liberatore should be well-rested, last having appeared in a game 10 days ago, and he only threw five pitches in that outing.
In his last appearance as a starter, in late June vs. Atlanta, Liberatore was sharp, allowing no runs on two hits in six innings vs. the Braves.
The Pirates will counter with Martin Perez (1-5, 5.61). Perez has had just one quality start in his last nine, and it was against the Cardinals.
He allowed one earned run in 7 1/3 innings earlier this month in Ƶ.
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The Cardinals are 53-48, second in the NL Central. They hold the second wild-card spot. A win Wednesday would give Ƶ two straight series wins.
The Pirates are 51-50, third in the NL Central. They haven't lost a series since the start of July at Busch Stadium.
The Cardinals next return home for six games vs. Washington and Texas.
Lineups
CARDINALS
1. Masyn Winn, SS
2. Alec Burleson, RF
3. Willson Contreras, DH
4. Nolan Arenado, 3B
5. Paul Goldschmidt, 1B
6. Brendan Donovan, 2B
7. Dylan Carlson, CF
8. Lars Nootbaar, LF
9. Pedro Pagés, C
P: Matthew Liberatore, LHP
PIRATES
1. Andrew McCutchen, DH
2. Bryan Reynolds, LF
3. Connor Joe, 1B
4. Nick Gonzales, 2B
5. Oneil Cruz, SS
6. Ke'Bryan Hayes, 3B
7. Joey Bart, C
8. Joshua Palacios, RF
9. Michael A. Taylor, CF
P: Martin Perez, LHP
Injury report
Tommy Edman (wrist surgery): Will resume his rehab assignment Wednesday with Class AA Springfield and be in the starting lineup at designated hitter. He had his rehab assignment interrupted by a sore ankle that required an anti-inflammatory injection and more than a week of rest. That delayed his return to the majors. He has yet to play in the field on his rehab assignment. Edman has not yet appeared in the majors this season due to offseason wrist surgery. Updated July 24
Riley O'Brien (flexor tendon): Felt good after his second appearance for Class AAA Memphis on his rehab assignment. O'Brien remains under scrutiny for his healthy, and will be until he's able to appear on back-to-back days for the Redbirds. His next outing is Friday. At some point within the next two weeks, if his outings continue to go well and he recovers well, the evaluation will shift from health to baseball performance. That will determine his return to majors. His fastball traveled consistently between 95 mph and 97 mph in his Triple-A outing. Updated July 24
Steven Matz (lower back stiffness): Matz threw his second bullpen session Saturday after resuming his throwing program. He is doing his workouts at Busch Stadium. Matz is looking toward an August return, if possible. Updated July 19