ST. LOUIS -- After Tuesday's 6-5 loss to the Mets, the Cardinals revealed what was beginning to become plain to see. Jack Flaherty will fill the club's need for a starter Saturday against the Pirates in Pittsburgh, manager Mike Matheny said.
Long considered the top candidate to start if the club's rotation had a void, Flaherty will make his second fill-in appearance for Adam Wainwright in the span of a month. The 22-year-old struck out nine over five innings in Wainwright's place in a start against the Brewers on April 3, before going 3-0 with a 2.25 ERA over three starts at Triple-A Memphis.
Wainwright's spot in the rotation opened again when the righty landed on the disabled list this past weekend with elbow inflammation. Wainwright was scheduled to pitch Tuesday, but due to off-days, the club didn't need a replacement until Saturday.
The club hinted at its plan to promote Flaherty over Austin Gomber or John Gant earlier Tuesday, when it scratched Flaherty from his scheduled start to line him up for Saturday. Flaherty had been set to pitch Wednesday for Memphis, but he will instead throw an extra midweek bullpen session.

The club's No.2 prospect per MLB Pipeline, Flaherty was dominant for much of Spring Training. He went 0-2 with a 6.33 in six appearances (five starts) in his first taste of big league action last season.
Injury updates
Three injured relievers left the team to continue their rehab elsewhere this week, two who are close to returning and one who is not.
Right-hander Sam Tuivailala (left knee strain) and left-hander Ryan Sherriff (right toe fracture) departed for Memphis, where both are scheduled to begin rehab assignments this week. Tuivailala will begin his assignment Wednesday. Sherriff is scheduled to throw batting practice Wednesday, then begin his assignment Friday.
Girsch said both will be asked to throw multiple innings and pitch back-to-back days before being deemed ready for return.
"Neither one of them has been down very long, and they're both relatively close to being ready to go," Girsch said.
The return of left-hander Brett Cecil (left shoudler strain) is further away. Cecil departed for the club's complex in Jupiter, Fla., this week, where he will continue his recovery. Cecil last pitched on Opening Day.
"He's been down longer, and he needs a little more time," Girsch said. "It's easy to send him to Florida, where we have total control over the workout, the timing and everything, since he's not close to coming back anyway."
Ticket offer
The Cardinals and Community Coffee are again teaming up to present fans with a special discount ticket offer. On sale now, fans can purchase tickets for just $5 to watch the Cardinals take on the White Sox on May 1-2 or the Twins on May 7-8.