Originally removed from the Cardinals' starting staff at the end of August due to poor play, St. Louis right-hander Lance Lynn will remain in the team's rotation and take the mound on Wednesday for a Game 2 outing against the Houston Astros.
The 25-year-old Lynn opened the season as one of the game's hottest players after reeling off a 10-2 record and 2.42 ERA through 13 starts, but quickly hit a rough patch by midseason and proceeded to turn in a number of poor outings following the All-Star break.
Though it was once believed that Lynn, and not rookie Joe Kelly, would be headed to the bullpen to coincide with the return of veteran ace Chris Carpenter on Friday, the organization made it clear that Lynn would get a final shot in the rotation while righty Jake Westbrook remains out with an injury.
Lynn is 15-7 this season with a 3.95 ERA and 157 strikeouts, and appears to have gained the trust of his manager and pitching coach after holding the Dodgers to one run over six innings on Sept. 13. While the team is still hopeful that Westbrook can jump back into his old role at some point next week, Lynn could be huge down the stretch if he's able to recapture his early season magic.
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