Cardinals rotation candidate Shelby Miller didn't get off to a good start on Monday in a Grapefruit League outing against the Twins. He finished strong, however, and may have cemented a spot in the rotation.
Miller gave up a run in the first inning but that was all he would allow over 4 1/3 frames. He surrendered just the one run on six hits and two walks with two strikeouts and his ERA on the spring is now at 3.94.
Joe Kelly, also in the running for the final rotation spot, pitched the sixth and seventh innings and allowed two earned runs on two hits and a walk. His spring ERA is now at 5.54.
Miller may have done enough Monday to secure the starting nod, while Kelly appears destined to pitch in long relief to open the year for the Red Birds. Look for Miller to appear next in a minor league game Saturday with Kelly heading to Arizona with the rest of the club.
The Cardinals have not decided when Miller, if he does win the No. 5 spot, would make his first start of the regular season. It could either come in the fifth game or on April 10.