Garcia's status remains a mystery

ST. LOUIS -- St. Louis Cardinals lefty Jaime Garcia is a question mark for Thursday's start, still struggling to return from a groin cramp in his last start.

Manager Mike Matheny committed to John Lackey starting today against the White Sox but offered no further details on the St. Louis rotation going forward.

Lance Lynn took Garcia's turn in the rotation on regular rest Tuesday because the team was off Monday.

Garcia has not thrown a side session since getting hurt running the bases last week against Miami. Matheny didn't say whether he'd be comfortable having Garcia pitch without at least some side work.

Garcia is 3-3 with a 1.69 ERA in seven starts coming off thoracic outlet surgery.

Earlier Tuesday, right-handed reliever Matt Belisle was placed on the 15-day disabled list with elbow inflammation, retroactive to June 28.

Belisle's elbow stiffened on the flight home from Miami last week and Matheny said the pitcher "flipped out" when it was first suggested that a stay on the DL might be beneficial.

"This is tough for him but it could be a good break, get things right," Matheny said. "The medical team doesn't seem overly concerned it's not something we can get ahead of and have him the rest of the way."

Belisle said there are no "big red flags."

"We've just got to get the swelling down and do another assessment," he added. "I'm not going to fret over anything we don't know yet."

Right-hander Marcus Hatley's contract was purchased from Class AAA Memphis. To make room on the 40-man roster, reliever Jordan Walden was transferred from the 15-day disabled list to the 60-day DL.

The 35-year-old Belisle is 1-1 with a 3.00 ERA in 30 games this season.