Cardinals left-hander Jaime Garcia threw the first five innings of a combined no-hitter on Thursday night at Low-A Peoria and has been cleared to return to the starting rotation after just the one rehab start.
Cards GM John Mozeliak told KMOX on Sunday that Garcia, who has been out since late June with a groin strain, will start Tuesday against the Reds. Tim Cooney was optioned back to Triple-A Memphis on Saturday to open up a roster and rotation spot.
Garcia’s struggles with injuries have been a near-constant throughout his career, but he has always posted good numbers when healthy and the 29-year-old is sporting an especially-good 1.69 ERA in seven starts this season.
St. Louis entered play Sunday with a ridiculous 2.64 combined ERA from its pitching staff.
