Cardinals top prospect Shelby Miller has been named the club’s 5th starter, winning the battle against Joe Kelly, who will pitch out of the bullpen. The 22 year old Miller had an ERA just under four in 16 innings, walking five and striking out 13. He also posted a 1.32 ERA in 13.2 innings as a September callup and pitched against the Giants in the National League Championship Series.
Kelly pitched 107 innings last season, making 16 starts and eight relief appearances, but his spring ERA was over 5.50.
Miller was solid in the Cardinals 4-3 win over the Twins on Monday. He gave up one run on six hits and two walks over 4.1 innings, while Kelly gave up two runs on two hits and a walk over two innings of relief in the game.
