Brett

Tomko

La Russa said Tomko’s Wednesday start against the Padres could have significant impact. In other words, if he doesn’t have a good game, he could be yanked. It’s not clear who would replace Tomko, since La Russa wants to leave Jason Simontacchi in the bullpen where he’s had success. The Tomko warning is probably La Russa’s way of showing Stephenson, who was upset, that it’s not personal.

Trainer Stan Conte was encouraged the swelling had gone down but did not sound overly confident Tomko would take the hill against the Diamondbacks. “The question is whether his ankle responds to treatment, and he can push off (the mound) and field his position,” Conte said. If Tomko can’t go, the Giants might have to call on Ryan Jensen or Chad Zerbe.

There has been no determination whether Tomko will start Sunday against the Diamondbacks. That decision is expected tomorrow.

“It was about 60-40 (that Tomko would start as of) last night,” trainer Stan Conte said. “Now it’s more like 80-20.”

He’ll be followed by Garrett Stephenson and Matt Morris.

Tomko intends to notify GM Walt Jocketty that he would like to return and is willing to be ''creative’’ about including deferred money in his next deal. The Cardinals want to bring in two free agent starters, of which Tomko could be one, to pitch behind Matt Morris and Woody Williams. The fifth spot would be a competition between Chris Carpenter, Jason Simontacchi, Danny Haren and Cal Eldred.

The Rangers are going to sign at least one starting pitcher, a setup man (Danys Baez?) and an outfielder (likely David Dellucci). They’ll also look for a second starter and another option in right field.

The Rangers want to add at least one and possibly two veteran starters to compete with Chan Ho Park, Colby Lewis, Ricardo Rodriguez, Joaquin Benoit, R.A. Dickey, Ryan Drese, Mickey Callaway and Juan Dominguez for rotation spots next spring.

Due to Wednesday’s shelling and Thursday’s 13-inning game, the Cards are short on bullpen arms. Manager Tony La Russa said the spot bullpen assignment will not affect Tomko’s next scheduled start in Milwaukee on Tuesday.

Esteban Yan has been designated the emergency starter. Manager Tony La Russa said it’s about 50/50 that Tomko will pitch. It’d be a shame if Tomko had to miss the Pirates while coming off his best outing of the season.