--Manager Tony La Russa surely was exasperated at times last year when RHP Joel Pineiro blew a dozen or so leads. But La Russa, citing a couple of injuries Pineiro had, said, "He started behind in his conditioning because he was sore early and catching up during the season is really hard to do. I don't know that he ever really caught up. But you start evaluating his talent -- he's got talent."

--2B Skip Schumaker, improving gradually at his new position, pivoted on two double plays and had three hits. "The reason why I'm here is to contribute offensively," said Schumaker. "That's why I'm playing because it would help our offense to get (Chris) Duncan in the outfield. If I don't hit, I'm not going to play."

--RHP Jason Motte, who allowed four runs in the ninth inning in the Opening Day loss, retired only one of three men he faced on Friday and had to be replaced in the ninth.

"Someday soon, he won't laugh at them, but he will have learned from them," La Russa said of Motte's first two games. "We're not out there to punish him. When he got a couple of guys on, it was time to get him."

MEDICAL WATCH:

3B Troy Glaus (right shoulder surgery in January 2009) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 27. He didn't heal as quickly as was hoped, and he may not play before July.

LHP Jaime Garcia (Tommy John elbow surgery in September 2008) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 27. He likely will miss all or nearly all of the 2009 season.

ROTATION:

1. RHP Adam Wainwright

2. RHP Kyle Lohse

3. RHP Todd Wellemeyer

4. RHP Chris Carpenter

5. RHP Joel Pineiro

BULLPEN:

RHP Jason Motte (closer)

RHP Ryan Franklin

RHP Josh Kinney

RHP Kyle McClellan

RHP Brad Thompson

LHP Dennys Reyes

LHP Trever Miller

LINEUP:

1. 2B Skip Schumaker

2. CF Rick Ankiel

3. 1B Albert Pujols

4. LF Chris Duncan

5. RF Ryan Ludwick

6. SS Khalil Greene

7. C Yadier Molina

8. 3B David Freese

9. Pitcher

RESERVES:

C Jason LaRue

INF Brendan Ryan

INF Brian Barden

INF Joe Thurston

OF Colby Rasmus