Matz will be available in relief over the next couple days against Atlanta. The Cardinals have an off day on Thursday that enables them to shuffle things around. The expectation is that Matz will re-join the rotation next weekend, likely against the division-rival Brewers.

Matz, who came in with a 2.31 ERA in 11 2/3 innings out of the pen, struck out five and walked none today. He’s expected to continue to start for now as part of a six-man rotation, which would put him in line to go Tuesday against the Braves. However, the Cardinals will happily trade him if anyone wants to take on the rest of his $12 million salary.

That’s when 33-year-old southpaw Steven Matz will be added to the rotation. Matz has pitched well out of the bullpen this season, posting a 1.93 ERA, 0.75 WHIP and a 5/1 K/BB ratio over 9 1/3 innings of work. Marmol also noted that Roddery Munoz is being moved to the bullpen at Triple-A Memphis with the intention that he’ll help to absorb the loss of Matz in the team’s bullpen when this change is made.

The oddity in this game was that only four pitchers participated. Matz finished the game for the Cardinals after Andre Pallante departed, and Randy Dobnak did the same for the Twins, throwing 5 1/3 innings after Bailey Ober was shelled. Matz might be good for one or two more three-inning saves while biding his time and hoping that a rotation spot opens up.