Cardinals rotation candidate Joe Kelly turned in a solid performance Thursday afternoon against the Braves. Kelly, who made his third Grapefruit League start, went past two innings of work for the first time this spring. He cruised through four innings, allowing just three hits and an earned run in a 5-4 victory. He stuck out one and did not walk a batter.
Kelly, who walked five combined in his first two appearances, chose to work on his tempo against the Braves, which had been a bit slower in his first two appearances. He is competing with Shelby Miller for the final spot in the rotation.
Manager Mike Matheny told MLB.com Thursday that he is not ready to announce the fifth starter and could allow Miller and Kelly to pitch again before he makes his decision.
"Today wasn't a drop-dead, have-to-make-a-decision day," Matheny said. "Just take in more information and another opportunity to go out there. I thought they both did the most with it."