He was taking the place of injured Adam Wainwright in the rotation but Wainwright, who has had a hamstring strain, has been pronounced fit and he will start Thursday’s series finale. Ponce de Leon can’t be of much help for the next five days, and the Cardinals have two off days next week, so he probably will return to Class AAA Memphis again, waiting for his next recall.
As for facing Conley, who is having a dreadful season with a 1-7 record and 8.00 earned-run average, Goldschmidt said, “He’s throwing 96 so you have to be ready and respect the fastball.