Cards juggle rotation, send Thompson down to Memphis

ST. LOUIS -- The St. Louis Cardinals juggled their struggling rotation on Tuesday, moving Jeff Weaver ahead of Jeff Suppan.

Weaver is 2-3 with a 6.60 ERA in six starts with the Cardinals, but has pitched better in his last two outings. He'll go Thursday on regular rest in the finale of a three-game series against the Cincinnati Reds, with Suppan pushed back to a weekend series in Chicago.

Manager Tony La Russa said Suppan likely would pitch on Saturday, with Jason Marquis working the series opener against the Cubs on Friday. Weaver got the nod after allowing one run in six innings in a victory at Cincinnati on Aug. 7.

"Weaver is the pitcher, how's that for an answer?" La Russa said. "We've had enough time to think about what's our best shot, and that's what we decided. He's getting his arm strength back and he's making better pitches."

The team also recalled outfielder Timo Perez from Class AAA Memphis and optioned reliever Brad Thompson back to Memphis. Thompson was recalled last week when setup man Braden Looper was idled for two days with back spasms.