Bench coach Joe Pettini bends over to look out of the dugout as hail begins to fall at Busch Stadium in St. Louis on April 19, 2011. Severe weather with thunderstorms, hail and strong winds, postponed a scheduled game between the Washington Nationals and the St. Louis Cardinals. UPI/Bill Greenblatt
Rain, hail and high winds postponed the series opener with the Washington Nationals last night at Busch Stadium. A day-night doubleheader has been scheduled for Wednesday.
Jake Westbrook will start the first game at 1:15 against John Lannan and then tonight at 7:05, Jaime Garcia will start the nightcap.
Tony LaRussa announced that Ryan Franklin is no longer the given closer after Sunday’s walkoff homer to Matt Kemp for a 2-1 loss against the Dodgers. LaRussa would not go into detail, but for the time being it appears it will be a closer by committee deal.
Skip Schumaker and Allen Craig were placed on the DL. Schumaker hyperextended his elbow last Friday and no timetable has been placed on his return. Craig, who strained a groin muscle last Saturday, should be back after this 15 day stint.
The team called up Nick Punto and Mark Hamilton.