Thompson suffered a torn lat muscle five weeks ago, and he’s now out through at least late May. The 27-year-old spent most of last year as a Triple-A starter and was expected to compete for a bullpen this spring.

Thompson was shut down 3-4 weeks earlier this month after suffering a tear in his left lat muscle. The 27-year-old lefty will be sidelined until some point in early April and will need several weeks, if not longer, to build up his arm strength and pitch count. He might be an option for the Cardinals at some point in mid-to-late May.

Thompson will be shut down completely for that timetable before being re-evaluated. Even if he’s cleared to resume throwing at that point, it’s going to take Thompson a while before he’s built back up and ready to contribute, so don’t be surprised if he misses at least the first month of the regular season as well.

Marmol told reporters that Thompson was not in consideration for Sunday’s start as they want the 26-year-old to continue to work on things. Matthew Liberatore is getting the start Sunday, but depending on how things go, St. Louis may not have a choice but to go with Thompson over the weekend.