ST. LOUIS -- When Gerrit Cole faces the Cardinals on Wednesday night in the second game of the series between National League Central contenders, he will be paired with catcher Francisco Cervelli.
Cervelli is the Bucs' regular backstop, and one of the biggest pistons in a firing offensive engine, but he'll be catching the young right-handed ace for just the first time since April 24.
Consider it a postseason dress rehearsal -- although, obviously, no one is calling it that.
For the last 18 of his 22 starts, Cole has formed a battery with Chris Stewart.