Leake would next be eligible to pitch in Pittsburgh, if the Cardinals choose to go with him over the three pitchers now on turn to start there.

Matheny said Leake has made progress, but he’ll need time to regain strength. The shingles are “more contained,” Matheny said, and Leake has been able to get his energy and appetite back.

Reyes, who turned 22 on Monday, threw 4 2/3 innings Saturday and struck out four while walking four and allowing a run. He had thrown 89 pitches to get 14 outs and searched for the command of his fastball at times. Weaver, who is set to start the final game of the visit to Miller Park, pitched six strong innings this past Friday and got the win with seven strikeouts.

Matheny said the team isn’t concerned about starting rookies in back-to-back games and has not considered using the off day to separate them for the sake of having long relief ready.

“There isn’t anything I saw from Luke Weaver or that I saw from Alex Reyes that says they shouldn’t be back out there. Regardless of the situation. They’re young pitchers, but they’re young pitchers with good stuff and they’re getting better each time out. (Six innings) is realistic or they wouldn’t be here. They certainly wouldn’t be our starting pitcher.”

DIAZ SET TO SWING