Ponce de Leon played catch during Thursday’s workout, which was attended by only a few Cardinals. Shildt said Ponce de Leon, 1-0, with a 2.16 earned-run average, didn’t know of his starting assignment until Friday. He gave up just one run in 6 2/3 innings, striking out seven, and was not involved in the decision as the Cards lost 4-2. His ERA fell to 1.99.
Matt Carpenter, who was on the injured list because of a strained lower back, has returned, but not as the leadoff man. Carpenter, who had batted .216 with a .325 on-base percentage, was slotted behind fourth-place hitter Paul Goldschmidt, with recent sparkplug Tommy Edman leading off and playing second base.