Mautz had virtually no control, throwing just 12 of 36 pitches for strikes. He's now allowed nine runs over seven innings across three appearances in the majors this season. Andre Pallante (elbow) is expected back soon, so this was likely nothing more than a spot start for Mautz, not that he did enough to earn another turn through the rotation on his own.

He has made two relief appearances with the Cardinals this season, but Mautz will be making his first career start in the majors Wednesday in a tough matchup opposite Yoshinobu Yamamoto under the bright lights in Los Angeles. The lefty Mautz, a second-round pick in 2022, threw 61 pitches against the Pirates in his most recent appearance Aug. 29, allowing four runs on five hits and one walk while striking out eight across three relief innings.