MILWAUKEE - Not that the Cardinals would ever engage in petty gamesmanship, but the listings for Sunday’s doubleheader against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley remain vague.

The Cardinals will start Adam Wainwright and Kyle Lohse, but will not commit to which one will pitch the afternoon make-up of an April 19 rainout, and which will pitch the nationally televised nightcap. Coincidentally, Lou Piniella is playing the same game with Carlos Zambrano and Randy Wells.

There are numerous reasons to believe Lohse will work the ESPN half of the twin bill. For one, starting Wainwright first likely preserves more of the bullpen than allowing Lohse to make his first start since June 3.

Holding Lohse back also allows the Cardinals a full roster for the first game before activating Lohse between halves of the day-night card.

Manager Tony La Russa also has flopped  starting assignments for the first two games. Chris Carpenter will start Friday rather than Saturday. Brad Thompson moves off Friday’s start to Saturday. The move allows Carpenter to pitch on regular rest following last Sundays’ 10-1 domination of the Cincinnati Reds. It also allows the club a better chance to set the tone in a four-game series that marks the Cardinals’ last trip to Chicago. (The Cardinals complete their schedule at Wrigley this season before making their first trip to Houston.)

The Milwaukee Brewers have meanwhile promoted lefthander Manny Parra for this afternoon’s series finale against the Redbirds. Parra last made a major-league start June 13. His last win came May 17 — against the Cardinals. That start marked Parra’s last quality appearance. In five subsequent major-league starts he was 0-4 with 32 earned runs allowed in 21.1 innings. Parra is 1-1 with a 3.70 ERA in seven career starts against the Cardinals. Did we note Parra is lefthanded?

The Rest as Jarrett Hoffpauir receives his first major-league start and Rick Ankiel sits for a second consecutive day:

SS Brendan Ryan

CF Colby Rasmus

1B Albert Pujols

RF Ryan Ludwick

LF Nick Stavinoha

C Yadier Molina

2B Jarrett Hoffpauir

P Joel Pineiro

3B Brian Barden

BREWERS

2B Craig Counsell

SS J.J. Hardy

LF Ryan Braun

1B Prince Fielder

3B Casey McGehee

CF MIke Cameron

RF Frank Catalanotto

C Mike Rivera

P Manny Parra