CINCINNATI • The Cardinals telegraphed the roster move they intended to make Tuesday afternoon long before Daniel Poncedeleon threw his first pitch in the majors, long before he warmed up for his first start in the majors, and long before he threw seven no-hit innings in his major-league debut.
By picking Poncedeleon for the first game of the series this week at Cincinnati, the Cardinals revealed that they intended to use that same spot on the roster for two starters, maintain the headcount in the bullpen, and the rookie who went first would also go back just as quick to Class AAA Memphis.