The Cardinals will try to salvage the finale Sunday as they wrap up a home series against the Brewers. First pitch is set for 1:15 p.m.
Paul Goldschmidt, batting .173, has been moved down in the lineup for the first time. He'll bat fifth on Sunday after being in the No. 2 spot all season.
He hasn't started in the fifth spot since 2013, when he was with Arizona.
Right-hander Sonny Gray (2-0, 0.00) will take the mound for the Cardinals in his third start with the team. He's yet to allow a run and has yielded nine hits and walked none in 11 innings pitched.
The Brewers will counter with right-hander Colin Rea (2-0, 2.70), who is off to a solid start after an up-and-down career.
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This series, the Cardinals' first of the season against a division foe, has not gone as planned. A lack of offense led to a loss Friday, then the Redbirds' pitching gave way Saturday in defeat.
Sunday morning, the Cardinals optioned outfielder Victor Scott II and right-handed pitcher Andre Pallante to Triple-A Memphis and recalled catcher Pedro Pages and right-handed pitcher Nick Robertson.
The speedy Scott had five hits in 59 at-bats this year. Pallante pitched the final three innings of Saturday's loss, giving up two earned runs to up his ERA to 6.30.
The Cardinals are 9-12, last in the NL Central and 3 1/2 games behind Milwaukee. That record is one game better than last season's mark through 21 games, which was the worst 21-game start since 2000. This year's 21-game record is second-worst since 2000.
Only three NL teams have a worse run differential than ºüÀêÊÓƵ' minus-17. The Cardinals are 2-7 vs. above-.500 teams.
The Brewers are 13-6, atop the NL Central. That mark is second-best in the NL. Milwaukee is 9-2 away from home.
Christian Yelich (back) remains on the injured list for the Brewers.
Lineups
CARDINALS
1. Brendan Donovan, LF
2. Willson Contreras, C
3. Lars Nootbaar, RF
4. Nolan Arenado, 3B
5. Paul Goldschmidt, 1B
6. Alec Burleson, DH
7. Masyn Winn, SS
8. Nolan Gorman, 2B
9. Michael Siani, CF
P: Sonny Gray, RHP
BREWERS
1. Sal Frelick, LF
2. William Contreras, C
3. Willy Adames, SS
4. Rhys Hoskins, DH
5. Blake Perkins, CF
6. Brice Turang, 2B
7. Owen Miller, 1B
8. Joey Ortiz, 3B
9. Jackson Chourio, RF
P: Colin Rea, RHP
Injury report
Tommy Edman (wrist surgery): On the 10-day IL, Edman took swings as a left-handed hitter on Friday after taking swings from the right side on Thursday. Both of the swinging sessions were off a hitting tee. . He will advance through the usual hitting progression as tolerated with the next step being coach pitch before facing a pitching machine. Updated April 20
Matt Carpenter (oblique strain): Placed on the 10-day injured list, backdated to April 2 after feeling discomfort in his torso after he went through his pregame routine in the batting cage. After he took on-field batting practice for two consecutive days, Carpenter said on Saturday that he felt a “bit of soreness†that may have been “normal†following Friday’s pregame work. He will take a rehab assignment to get bulk at-bats. Updated April 20
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 visited team doctors on Friday to get cleared to begin his throwing progression. Updated April 20
Dylan Carlson (sprained shoulder): On 10-day IL, Carlson continued to take swings on Friday 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 21
Keynan Middleton (forearm strain): On the 15-day IL, Middleton received a PRP injection to facilitate healing. He extended the distance of his catch Wednesday 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 “hasn’t made the progress that we have hoped for,†manager Oliver Marmol said Friday. He’ll be on a throwing program to rebuild arm strength and ready for a likely assignment to Class AAA Memphis’ rotation. Updated April 20