As if the Cardinals needed more bad news.

After losing the first two games of 2007, the Cardinals found out pitching ace Chris Carpenter will miss his turn in the rotation against Houston this weekend.

This was probably not what the Cardinals had in mind when they envisioned beginning this season’s title defense run.

The right-hander complained of right elbow inflamation following Sunday’s Opening Day loss to New York.  He has been looked at by Dr. George Paletta, and although the injury is not considered serious, Carpenter will not make his scheduled start this Friday against the Astros.  Instead, Adam Wainright and Anthony Reyes will each move up a day, with Wainright opening the three-game set.

Free-agent acquisition Kip Wells will start the final game of the series Sunday.