On-deck: The Cards take on the Los Angeles Dodgers tonight at Busch Stadium in St. Louis at 7:15 p.m. This is the second game of a three-game set. This series will finish a six-game home stand before the Cards take to the road on a 10-game trip.
Probabes: LAD-Derek Lowe RHP (8-9, 3.70) vs. STL-Joel Pineiro RHP (3-5, 5.04)
Birds’ Perch: The Cub and Brewers both won yesterday, the Cardinals keeping pace in the NL Central with their 11-inning win last night. The Cubs keep a firm grip on first place, the Brewers 5.0 games behind in second place; the Cardinals 5.5 games out and a 1/2-game behind the Brew-Crew.
Wainwright’s finger: Rehabbing Adam Wainwright threw a bullpen session at Busch Stadium yesterday, about 30 pitches. He may pitch one or two rehab starts, and most likely, will throw for the Memphis Redbirds, the Cardinals’ Triple-A affiliate, Saturday.
Phelps’ accolade: Class AAA Memphis Redbirds’ Josh Phelps continues to impress, named the Pacific Coast Leagues’ Batter of the Week.
Kozma to Palm Beach: Peter Kozma has been promoted to the Cardinals’ High-A affiliate, Palm Beach Cardinals.
Tummy taking longer: Rick Ankiel’s abdominal strain has kept him out of the regular lineup a little longer than expected. He will continue to be available for pinch-hitting duties versus the Dodgers in their current series, but is under orders not to lay on the after-burners when it comes to running.
Lopez the Nat now Lopez the Card: The Cardinals have signed Felipe Lopez, who was recently released from the Washington Nationals. Lopez was an All-Star in 2005, and has plenty of major league experience. He plays middle infield, mostly second base.
Ryan down: In order to make room on the roster for recent pickup Felipe Lopez, the Cardinals have optioned infielder Brendan Ryan to Triple-A Memphis.
Whatcha done for me lately? These minor leaguers in the Cards’ system have done something lately, in fact, yesterday.
Johnson City Cardinals (Rookie League)–Jose Mateo went 5-for-6, scoring one run and tabbing one RBI.
Johnson City Cardinals (Rookie League)–Osvaldo Morales went 1-for-4, scoring four runs, hitting a home run and collecting two RBIs.
Quad-Cities River Bandits (Low-A)–Brett Wallace went 3-for-4, scored one run, hit one double, and notched one RBI.
Memphis Redbirds (AAA)–Tyler Greene went 1-for-4, scoring one run, hitting one double, and grabbing one RBI.
Memphis Redbirds (AAA)–Josh Phelps went 1-for-4, scoring two runs and hitting one double.
