Cardinals rookie Michael McGreevy faces the Rockies in his second career start: First Pitch

Right-hander Michael McGreevy (2-0, 0.90) will be on the mound in his third MLB game and his first away game for the Cardinals.

McGreevy started against Texas on July 31, going seven innings and allowing one run. After spending seven weeks in Triple-A, he got the win against Pittsburgh on Wednesday as a relief pitcher, going three innings without allowing a run.

The former first-round pick is considered the franchise's fifth-best pitching prospect, according to MLB.com.

The Rockies will counter with right-hander Ryan Feltner (3-10, 4.73), the team's most valuable starter with wins above replacement value, according to Fangraphs.

In his third full year in the major leagues, Feltner is having his most productive season. He has already set career highs in innings pitched (150 1/3) and starts (28). Earlier this season, he was thrown to a no-decision in St. Louis, allowing four runs, none of them earned, in 5 1/3 innings in a Rockies win.

According to advanced MLB statistics, Feltner has managed to make soft contact despite a below-average pitching arsenal.

Before the game, the Cardinals placed first baseman Luken Baker on the paternity list and recalled outfielder Victor Scott II.

The Cardinals are 79-77, third in the NL Central and 10 games behind division champion Milwaukee. With six games remaining, St. Louis has won eight more games than it did last season. The Cardinals are 11-9 in September, winning five of seven games.

The Rockies are in last place in the NL West at 60-96, marking the sixth consecutive season of a losing streak for the team.

Colorado's bullpen ERA of 5.31 is by far the worst in baseball, half a run worse than the next worst team.

Rockies outfielder Charlie Blackmon, who has spent his entire career in Denver, announced his retirement on Monday; Tuesday's game was his first since the announcement.

Willson Contreras (broken finger): The catcher broke the middle finger of his right hand on a pitch on August 24, and after an examination by team doctors on September 17, his season is effectively over. He has been ordered to remain inactive for another two weeks to continue the healing process, and that means he will not be able to play during the regular season, which ends in September. Updated on September 17

Lance Lynn (inflammation of right knee): The veteran's season ended on Sept. 18, a day after he pitched six strong innings to earn a win over Pittsburgh and remain undefeated at Busch since July 2017. His contract includes a $12 million option for 2025, but factors are mounting that would lead the Cardinals to decline it. Updated on September 18

Sonny Gray (tendinitis of the flexor tendon of the right forearm): Gray was placed on the injured list on Saturday, a morning after the Cardinals were officially eliminated from the playoffs, ending his first season with the team with eight games remaining. Gray said he could have pitched despite the issue if a playoff spot was within reach, adding that it would not affect his offseason approach. Updated on September 21