PITTSBURGH — The Cardinals made a late-night switcheroo and reversed course on their pitching plans for this weekend series against the Pirates at PNC Park. Joel Pineiro is back as tonight’s starter — if there is need for a starter tonight, that is — and Brad Thompson has been shifted to Sunday.

The Cardinals had announced yesterday that the two would swap starts, thus setting up Pineiro to pitch Sunday here and then next weekend against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. The change was decided late last night as they arrived in Pittsburgh to switch the two pitchers back to the original schedule.

Manager Tony La Russa told FSN Midwest report Jim Hayes a few minutes ago that he felt it was better to have a “bullpen” game on Sunday after using the bullpen so often during the recent home stand. Thompson would get the start in what would be billed as a “bullpen” game because a parade of relievers would likely come in after Thompson finishes four or five innings, depending on success.

Pineiro is unbeaten in five starts against the Pirates.

With Kyle Lohse set to come off his suspension when the team reaches Cincinnati on Tuesday, Pineiro could still slide his next start to next weekend. He has not appeared since Sept. 1.

All this seesaw swapping of starters may not be necessary as the intensity of rain has picked up here at PNC Park in the past few minutes. There is a band of storms lurking and rain has settled for most of the day over the Pittsburgh area. More information about the status of the game — and, heck, if there’s another pitching change afoot — as the evening goes along here.

More later here on StlToday.com and tomorrow there in the paper.

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