St. Louis Cardinals right-hander Adam Wainwright was scratched from Friday night’s start against the visiting Arizona Diamondbacks due to back spasms.
Wainright began having spasms on Wednesday, according to manager Mike Shildt.
Right-hander Daniel Ponce de Leon is replacing Wainwright as the starter against Arizona.
Shildt said Wainwright wouldn’t miss a turn and could potentially start Sunday’s finale of the three-game series.
The 37-year-old Wainwright is 5-7 with a 4.31 ERA in 16 starts this season.
Ponce de Leon is 1-0 with a 2.16 ERA in six appearances (three starts) this season.