News
Lohse ready to get back on track
St. Louis (81-57) at Milwaukee (66-70), 1:05 p.m. CT
By Jonathan Mayo / MLB.com
09/06/09 7:28 PM ET
PITTSBURGH -- The last time Kyle Lohse came out of the bullpen, the stakes were a little bit higher. That came in the 2007 National League Division Series, when he was with the Phillies. He had helped out a couple of times during the regular season and got called on with the bases loaded in Game 2 against the Rockies, promptly giving up a grand slam to Kaz Matsui. "I was starting [during the regular season], then we were having problems in the bullpen, so instead of throwing a bullpen, I'd come out of the bullpen for an inning," Lohse said. "It worked out pretty well, until the playoffs. That was a different situation altogether, bringing me in with the bases loaded. I'm not used to that part of it." Lohse may not be asked to come into a bases-loaded situation now, but with him officially off the disabled list as of Sunday, his immediate role will be one of a reliever. Eventually, the right-hander hopes to see some rotation time. "I think, moving forward, I'll probably get one appearance here out of the bullpen," Lohse said. "After that, I'll be getting a couple of starts. I'm basically taking it a day at a time and being ready whenever I can." Placed on the disabled list on Aug. 22 with a strained left groin, Lohse is simply happy to be ready to answer the call. A year after going 15-6 with a 3.78 ERA, Lohse has had a tough time staying healthy and producing consistently. "It's been a rough year as far as luck and injuries for me," Lohse said. "It's good to be back. We've got about a month left in the season, and hopefully I can contribute and keep on going in the playoffs." Assuming the Cardinals do extend their season -- something that does seem all but certain -- Lohse could find his way back into the bullpen come playoff time. Adam Wainwright, Chris Carpenter and Joel Pineiro are locked in as the top three starters. John Smoltz has pitched well since joining the club and has a long track record of postseason success. Mitchell Boggs has also thrown well of late, though it's unlikely the Cardinals will need more than four starters in October. That's something manager Tony La Russa and pitching coach Dave Duncan won't decide on for some time. "Whatever helps the team," is the attidude Lohse said he's taking. "If going to the playoffs, Smoltz looks like it's going to be better for him to start, me to start, it's not my decision. It's up to Tony and Dunc. I just want to help out any way I can, because I think we have a pretty good chance here." Pitching matchupSTL: RHP Chris Carpenter (15-3, 2.28 ERA)
Carpenter is coming off of two relatively ordinary consecutive outings. Then again, that just shows you what a standard he's set, since in those two games he has allowed five runs in 12 innings. Carpenter hasn't lost a decision since June, and the Cardinals are 10-2 in his past 12 starts. He's a legitimate NL Cy Young Award contender, and he'll try to strengthen his case in a holiday matinee Monday. MIL: RHP Dave Bush (3-6, 6.47 ERA)
After meeting with the Brewers' top physician on Friday evening, Dave Bush declared himself fit to make his Monday start against the Cardinals as scheduled. The outing was in doubt after Bush surrendered eight runs in St. Louis on Wednesday -- his third start off the disabled list -- and complained of lingering soreness in his right triceps. "I should be good," Bush said late Friday night. "The doctor said this is all part of the process of [recovering from] a torn muscle. It's usually a multi-month kind of thing, and ... it doesn't do any good to stop throwing because [the scar tissue] has to break up at some point." Bush threw a bullpen session at about 75 percent of full effort Friday afternoon. "Before the year is over, I want him to feel good about himself," manager Ken Macha said. Tidbits
A starter for Friday's opener against the Braves, the start of a nine-game homestand, has yet to be determined. There are three options. If they keep things as is in terms of everyone taking his turn, Boggs would appear to be the one to get the ball. With the off-day on Thursday, though, if the Cards want to keep the top three starters on normal rest, it would be Pineiro's turn. A third option would be Lohse, who just came off the DL on Sunday. ... Closer Ryan Franklin had recorded a save in each of his last 13 appearances before taking the loss Sunday. It was longest save streak by a Cardinals closer since Lee Smith reeled off a team-record 17 in a row in 1993. Tickets
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• Tuesday: Cardinals (John Smoltz, 3-6, 6.63) at Brewers (Manny Parra, 10-10, 6.47), 7:05 p.m. CT
• Wednesday: Cardinals (Adam Wainwright, 17-7, 2.68) at Brewers (Jeff Suppan, 6-8, 4.97), 1:05 p.m. CT
• Thursday: Off-day
Jonathan Mayo is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
