MIAMI - Ryan Ludwick’s two-game absence from the starting lineup ends today against the Florida Marlins while the presence of lefthander Andrew MIller allows manager Tony La Russa to re-create the high-energy middle infield connection of Tyler Greene at shortstop and Brendan Ryan at second base.

Ludwick’s down time is likely over for the immediate future as the Cardinals face three lefthanders in the next four days. Ludwick snapped an 0-for-14 skid last Thursday and appeared as a pinch hitter in the first two games of the current series. Ludwick has four extra-base hits since April 25. He has subsequently endured a hamstring strain before being activated May 29. Ludwick carries a .231 average into today’s game but insists recent extra hitting has helped galvanize his approach.

Ryan and Greene accounted for seven of the Cardinals’ 18 hits in Wednesday’s 13-4 win. Greene graduated from nearby Thomas Aquinas H.S. before attending Georgia Tech. Ryan is 8-for-15 in his last four games, raising his overall average to .316.

Nick Stavinoha starts against the lefthander while Colby Rasmus sits on a 9-game hitting streak. Infielder Joe Thurston is en route from Fort Lauderdale International Airport after returning from the birth of daughter in California.

Jason La Rue returns behind the plate to handle starting pitcher Todd Wellemeyer.

The Rest:

2B Brendan Ryan

CF Rick Ankiel

1B Albert Pujols

RF Ryan Ludwick

LF Nick Stavinoha

SS Tyler Greene

C Jason LaRue

P Todd Wellemeyer

3B Brian Barden

MARLINS

LF Chris Coghlan

SS Emilio Bonifacio

3B Wes Helms

RF Jeremy Hermida

2B Dan Uggla

1B Ross Gload

CF Cody Ross

C Ronny Paulino

P Andrew Miller

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