The Cardinals’ rotation is now set. Yesterday manager Tony LaRussa announced that free agent pick up Sidney Ponson will join Chris Carpenter, Mark Mulder, Jason Marquis and Jeff Suppan as the fifth member of the starting pitching staff. In four appearances this spring, Ponson has an ERA of 3.60.

During the off season, Ponson was released by the Orioles after he got into an altercation that landed him in an Aruban jail. He later checked himself into a 30-day rehabilitation program.

With the move, the Cardinals have optioned Anthony Reyes to Class AAA Memphis and sent Adam Wainwright to the bullpen. Ponson’s first start will be against the Cubs in Chicago April 9.

Center fielder Jim Edmonds had an MRI on Thursday to find out why he’s been suffering pain in his right elbow and numbness in his right forearm.



Missourinet