MILWAUKEE - If he didn’t have bad luck, Kyle Lohse would have no luck at all.

The Cardinals will likely announce today that they are scratching Lohse from Friday’s start against the San Francisco Giants due to forearm weakness stemming from a hit by pitch suffered last Saturday against the Kansas City Royals.

Lohse cut short a side session Tuesday afternoon when his arm failed to recover from a series of pitches. Pitching coach Dave Duncan confirmed after the Cardinals’ 8-1 win over the Milwaukee Brewers that Joel Pineiro may be moved up from Saturday to take Lohse’s start. Pineiro would be appearing on regular rest since the Cardinals are off Thursday in San Francisco. “It’s something we’re looking at,” Duncan said. “Unless something changes tomorrow, it looks likely we’ll [scratch Lohse].”

Lohse’s unavailability would preclude the Cardinals from sending out a pitcher when they activate outfielder Ryan Ludwick for the game. The Cardinals continue to operate with eight relievers and only four bench players, one of whom, Rick Ankiel, has been off limits the last two games due to renewed right shoulder stiffness.

Lohse and Duncan insisted the pitcher’s bruised forearm is expected to force him to skip only one start.

“I was optimistic going in but I don’t think I convinced them,” Lohse said after his bullpen. “I guess something could change tomorrow but I’m not getting my hopes up.”

Lohse would make the June 2 start at home against the Cincinnati Reds; otherwise, the club would have to find a stand-in.