Stephenson in Cards’ Rotation

Cardinals pitcher Garrett Stephenson has gone from “Plan B,” to “Plan A.” Instead of starting the season as a backup to the starting pitchers in St.Louis, Stephenson has been thrust into the starting rotation. Pitchingcoach Dave Duncan says Stephenson looks as good, or better than he didbefore elbow surgery less than a year ago. The team originally planned togive Stephenson more time to recover, but a struggling Rick Ankiel failed toearn a spot in the rotation this spring.Despite the fact that Stephenson just had arm surgery, pitching coach DaveDuncan says he won’t limit Stephenson’s pitch count any more than otherpitchers. Duncan says Stephenson won’t be “handled with care,” according tothe St. Louis Post-Dispatch.