Shelby Miller earns 5th spot in Cardinals rotation

The time is now for Shelby Miller.

Ever since the St. Louis Cardinals took him with the 19th pick in the 2009 MLB Draft, Miller has been the top pitching prospect in the organization. Now he is a member of the rotation on the major league roster.

St. Louis manager Mike Matheny officially announced Miller as his fifth starter after Monday’s win over Minnesota. Miller started the game against the Twins and pitched 4.1 innings giving up six hits and one earned run while striking out two batters.

In five appearances this spring, Miller is 2-0 with a 3.94 ERA.

Joe Kelly, Miller’s main competition for that fifth spot this spring, will move to the St. Louis bullpen to provide Matheny with another hard-throwing right-handed option while closer Jason Motte nurses a sore right elbow.