After splitting the first two games, the Cardinals wrap up a road series Sunday against the Diamondbacks. First pitch is set for 3:10 p.m.
The Cardinals tallied a season-high nine runs en route to winning Friday's opener, then failed to cash in on their chances in dropping Saturday's game.
Right-hander Miles Mikolas (1-1, 4.76) will take the mound Sunday for the Cardinals. After struggling on opening day, Mikolas has gone six or more innings while allowing exactly two runs in each of his last two outings.
Opponents are batting better than .300 against both his slider and his four-seamer, the two pitches he throws the most.
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The Diamondbacks will send out right-hander Zac Gallen (2-0, 2.25). Gallen, who finished in the top five in Cy Young voting each of the past two years, was drafted by the Cardinals and traded to Miami as part of the Marcell Ozuna deal.
Curiously, Gallen gave up a lot of hard contact last year, something that's continued into this year, while still maintaining a strong ERA.
The Cardinals are 7-8, last in the NL Central and the only team in the division with a losing record as well as the only team with a negative run differential.
The Diamondbacks are 7-8. Arizona has 17 home runs, which ranks fourth in the National League. A win Sunday would give the Diamondbacks their first series win over a team other than the Rockies.
Lineups
CARDINALS
1. Brendan Donovan, LF
2. Paul Goldschmidt, 1B
3. Nolan Gorman, 2B
4. Nolan Arenado, 3B
5. Willson Contreras, DH
6. Lars Nootbaar, RF
7. Iván Herrera, C
8. Brandon Crawford, SS
9. Michael Siani, CF
P: Miles Mikolas, RHP
DIAMONDBACKS
1. Ketel Marte, 2B
2. Corbin Carroll, CF
3. Lourdes Gurriel Jr., LF
4. Christian Walker, 1B
5. Joc Pederson, DH
6. Jace Peterson, 3B
7. Jake McCarthy, RF
8. Blaze Alexander, SS
9. Tucker Barnhart, C
P: Zac Gallen, RHP
Injury report
Tommy Edman (wrist surgery):On the 10-day IL, Edman received clearance to restart a swing program. He 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.Updated April 12
Matt Carpenter (oblique strain):Placed 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):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 could start a throwing program as early as Monday.Updated April 12
Dylan Carlson (sprained shoulder): On 10-day IL, Carlson 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.Updated 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.Updated 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.Updated April 8