"Although righthander Kyle McClellan, strictly a reliever for the Cardinals in his first three regular seasons, has been outstanding in his first two starts for the Cardinals this spring, manager Tony La Russa said this morning that he didn't deem the competition for the final starting spot over by any means. Rookies Lance Lynn and Brandon Dickson have had their moments this spring and pitching coach Dave Duncan has Dickson slated for a start next Saturday when the Cardinals have two games. Lynn had little command on Friday, throwing 51 pitches in two innings against Detroit, but La Russa said, "Just because somebody has a tough start, there's still a starter here _ one of the younger guys that could live up to their potential earlier than they have to." One of the other issues here is when veteran Lance Berkman, beset by left elbow and left calf problems early in camp, will return to the outfield. He has been serving as the designated hitter for much of the spring and will fill that role today. La Russa was unsure if the Cardinals had to employ the pitcher as a hitter on Monday and Tuesday when Atlanta comes here. The Braves wanted their pitchers to hit last week when the Cardinals played them at the Disney Complex, so the Cardinals' pitchers hit and Berkman didn't go on the two-game trip. If Berkman can DH early next week, he will, including a game on Wednesday at Lakeland, Fla., against Detroit. There is a possibiulity he could play outfield next Thursday when the Cardinals and Florida play here but La Russa suggeseted that Berkman might be the DH all next week, too." Read more: http://www.stltoday.com/sports/base...cle_e9b6bcf4-4cca-11e0-8a5d-00127992bc8b.html
