CARDINALS' Contractor Will not START OPENING Next Day Of SETBACK

Cardinals ace Chris Contractor will not start opening next day of a setback in the recovery from the protruding disk in the neck.

The best-hander came back to St. Louis on Tuesday for tests. He put live batting practice Sunday but did not feel right the following day.

"He looked great and felt good the following day he just did not respond like we'd wished," manager Mike Matheny stated Wednesday. "His shoulder is simply not reacting and they are uncertain from the cause of it. That is what they are looking to get to with tests around the shoulder and neck and trying to puzzle out where it's all regulated originating from.Inch

Kyle Lohse will begin April 4 at Miami in the place. Lohse was 14-8 having a 3.39 ERA last season, leading the Cardinals in wins and ERA.

"This is an honor," Lohse stated. "However it comes and therefore Carp's unavailable -- this is the tough part about this. If only it were under different conditions, but I am proud to accept ball on opening day."

Righty Lance Lynn, something guy, will require Carpenter's place within the rotation. Lynn is 1- having a 1.64 ERA in 11 innings this spring. He earned his second spring start Monday. The Cardinals now must replace Lynn within the bullpen.