Mitchell

Boggs

Boggs, 22, is 5-3 with a 3.57 ERA, 67 H and 57/26 K/BB in 63 IP for Palm Beach. A 2005 fifth-round pick, he could be a future fifth starter or middle reliever for the Cardinals.

“When you have a younger ‘pen, you don’t want to confuse the issue,” said Matheny. “When you have guys who are still trying to find their role ... right now we have everybody exactly where we want to be.” Lynn, McClellan and Boggs all have previous experience as starters, but if Matheny sticks with his current plan (and the Cards don’t sign Roy Oswalt), a late injury to one of their starters could push 27-year-old Brandon Dickson into the rotation.

Boggs did his part, retiring all three batters he faced in the eighth inning on just nine pitches. But Jason Motte surrendered a three-run homer to Indians second baseman Jason Kipnis in the ninth. Boggs now boasts a stellar 2.03 ERA and 24/9 K/BB ratio in 26 2/3 innings this season. He’s quickly becoming a top setup man.

An extremely rough night, but nothing to worry about for a pitcher who’s been one of the National League’s better relievers this season. The outing ballooned his ERA from 1.51 to 2.25. Through 51 appearances and 48 innings, Boggs has posted a 1.15 WHIP and 36/14 K/BB ratio.

The Cardinals setup man allowed three Astros to reach base -- while also striking out one -- in his return from a minor back issue. Marc Rzepczynski cleaned up the mess. Boggs was unavailable to pitch in Sunday’s series finale in Los Angeles due to a minor back problem.

Boggs pitched a perfect eighth inning Saturday before Jason Motte’s blown save. The Cards would likely use Edward Mujica to set up Sunday.

Boggs struggled mightily after being named the Cardinals’ closer at the start of the 2013 season and was optioned to Memphis on May 3 with a 12.66 ERA. He wasn’t exactly flawless during his time on the farm and will probably be limited to low-leverage situations for a while. Edward Mujica’s job is obviously safe.

Jeff Francoeur hit a line-drive homer on Boggs’ second pitch of the outing. Mujica definitely needed the rest tonight, but Trevor Rosenthal should been available and it was quite the surprise that Mike Matheny went to Boggs instead. Boggs ended up being pulled after walking the second batter he faced tonight. He has allowed 19 earned runs in 14 2/3 innings for the season.

The move comes on the heels of Boggs blowing a save in Thursday’s loss to the Royals. The 29-year-old allowed three runs in four-plus innings over four appearances during his most recent stint with the club and now owns an ugly 11.05 ERA and 11/15 K/BB over 14 2/3 innings this season. He’ll attempt to right himself in the minors once again.

It doesn’t mean he would be considered for a starting role with the big club. Rather, the Cards want to afford Boggs as many innings as possible to work on his issues. He’s allowed three runs -- one earned -- over six innings across two starts. It will be a while before the Cards consider Boggs for a promotion.