Cardinals 5th starter battle becoming clearer

The battle for the Cardinals 5th starter spot just became a little clearer.

According to Jennifer Langosch, Trevor Rosenthal did not attend the Cardinals starting pitchers meeting on Tuesday morning and, according to Derrick Goold, Mike Matheny confirmed that Rosenthal will move to the bullpen.

That leaves Joe Kelly and Shelby Miller as the remaining competitors for the job.  Kelly started today and gave up 2 runs, 1 earned, on 2 hits and 3 walks in 2 IP.  Miller is scheduled to start against the Nationals tomorrow.

But wait, don't forget about Michael Wacha!

Per Derrick Goold, Matheny says its "unlikely" that Wacha earns the 5th starter job, but that he has "opened eyes" this spring and deserves more innings.  Take that for what its worth, but Wacha has impressed everyone while pitching the most innings this spring, so, even if he starts the season in AAA, he will not be in the minors for long.

So, we're basically down to a two-horse race (with Wacha lurking around, just in case) and after tomorrow's start by Miller, we will probably have a good idea as to who Matheny will choose.