The Cardinals continue a trying homestand with Tuesday's second game against the Mets. First pitch is set for 6:45 p.m.
Losers of three straight, the Redbirds have scored three or fewer runs in four of their last five games.
On the season, the Cardinals have scored three or fewer runs 22 times, their highest total through 35 games since 2007. They're 6-16 in those games and 9-4 when they score four or more.
The Redbirds have 23 homers thus far, last in baseball and 19 fewer than they had at this point last season.
Right-hander Miles Mikolas (2-4, 5.68) will take the mound Tuesday night for the Cardinals. Mikolas allowed two earned runs in 5 2/3 vs. the Mets two starts ago, one of his better games of the year.
Mikolas has a 3.86 ERA over his last two starts after a rough patch.
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The Mets will counter with right-hander José Buttó (0-2, 2.57).
The Cardinals have had more success against the rookie than any other team, scoring four earned runs against him on April 26 in Queens in a 4-2 Cardinals win.
The homer-hampered Cardinals hit two vs. Buttó last time, an Alec Burleson three-run homer and a Willson Contreras solo shot.
Tuesday's Cardinals lineup features six left-handed hitters, defying Buttó's historical splits vs. lefties.
Six lefties also started the Redbirds' previous encounter vs. Butto, and they accounted for two of the four hits against him that day, including Burleson's homer.
The Cardinals are 15-20, last in the NL Central and 5 1/2 games out of first. Ƶ lost its last two series, last winning a series vs. these Mets in late April.
The Mets are 17-18, fourth in the NL East. They've lost four straight series.
The Cardinals announced changes to the batting lineup 2 1/2 hours before first pitch, but not any changes to the personnel in the lineup. The changes are noted with italics, starting with Lars Nootbaar's move up to No. 2.
Lineups
CARDINALS
1. Brendan Donovan, LF
2. Lars Nootbaar, RF
3. Willson Contreras, C
4. Nolan Arenado, 3B
5. Paul Goldschmidt, 1B
6. Alec Burleson, DH
7. Nolan Gorman, 2B
8. Brandon Crawford, SS
9. Michael Siani, CF
P: Miles Mikolas, RHP
METS
1. Brandon Nimmo, CF
2. Starling Marte, RF
3. Francisco Lindor, SS
4. Pete Alonso, 1B
5. DJ Stewart, LF
6. J.D. Martinez, DH
7. Brett Baty, 3B
8. Jeff McNeil, 2B
9. Tomás Nido, C
P: José Buttó, RHP
Injury report
Giovanny Gallegos (right shoulder impingement): The righty went on the the 15-day injured list a day after manager Oliver Marmol said he "doesn't look right." He has been ineffective this season and his fastball velocity has dropped into the low-90s. There is no set timeline for Gallegos’ progression toward a return. Updated May 6
Steven Matz (lower back stiffness): The lefty went on the 15-day injured list on Friday with a lower back injury. Matz began experiencing soreness following a start, and during his start April 30 he had a sag in velocity and effectiveness. Manager Oliver Marmol indicated the team thought it would be a shorter IL stint. Updated May 3
Tommy Edman (wrist surgery): On the 10-day IL, Edman took swings off a tee from both sides of the plate in late April. He had been limited to hitting only from the right side, but recently advanced without any soreness. His hitting progression will be per usual (coach pitch, then a pitching machine) as tolerated. On May 6, he was moved to the 60-day IL. Updated May 6
Matt Carpenter (oblique strain): Began a rehab assignment last week with Class AA Springfield and continues it this week with Triple-A Memphis. He has played first base and designated hitter in an attempt to build up at-bats. Placed on the 10-day injured list, backdated to April 2 after feeling discomfort in his torso pregame. Updated May 7
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 April 23. Updated April 29
Keynan Middleton (forearm strain): On the 15-day IL, Middleton threw a bullpen session last week for the first time since spring training. He’s been sidelined by a forearm flexor strain. The planned progression for Middleton includes a pair of bullpen sessions this week followed by him starting a minor-league rehab assignment Friday, likely with Double A Springfield. Updated May 4
Drew Rom (biceps tendinitis): He is likely to have shoulder surgery in the near future after going to Texas for a consultation with a specialist. The lefty had his rehab an injury that took place late in spring training stalled in recent weeks by persisting discomfort and weakness. Rom was added to the 60-day injured list on April 30, suggesting the club expects an extended absence. Updated May 1