ST. LOUIS — Veteran John Smoltz enters tonight’s start against the Chicago Cubs without any lingering uncertainties about the present condition of his shoulder but with plenty of future considerations resting on it.

Smoltz will make his first start since skipping one do to mild tendinitis in his right shoulder.

As the final two weeks of the regular season near, it is becoming more apparent that Smoltz is in position to be a starter when the playoffs start. Kyle Lohse, slowed by forearm trouble, said this afternoon that he is ready — physically ready — to make a start, and that he could have made his start tonight, as scheduled. Instead, Smoltz was reset for it. Lohse sat in the Cardinals’ clubhouse this afternoon unsure of his next start — likely against Houston — until being hustled out to the bullpen for an impromptu session.

Manager Tony La Russa would not commit either way asked this afternoon about Smoltz’s future role — whether he’d be better suited because of his shoulder to start every five days or used repeatedly over five days as a reliever.

“I think his attitude echoes ours,” La Russa said. “He has experience doing both. He’s willing to do whatever gives us our best chance to win. … He’s willing to do whatever. right now it’s important for him to take innings, get his delivery going, get a feel for his pitches. The longer he’s out there the better.”

Lohse has not been told when his next start will be.

Throwing a bullpen today could put him on schedule to throw another one Sunday or, possibly, even start Monday in Houston. La Russa said over the weekend that Lohse would be readied for a start in the three-game series at Minute Maid Park.

-30-