ST. LOUIS — Buoyed by his performance Thursday in Cincinnati, St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Troy Glaus is starting tonight and eying this weekend as his chance to secure a spot on the postseason roster.

“I’m going to try and help any way I can,” he said. “This is an opportunity to get some reps. … It’s a matter of just getting reps (or at-bats). Today is an opportunity to get four or five (plate appearances). I’m going to help in any way I can. On the bench, in the field, whatever.”

Glaus spent five months of the season on the disabled list, recovering from January shoulder surgery. Just when the shoulder was ready for games, he had back spasms that limited his availability. When the back discomfort cleared, he strained an oblique. This past week in Cincinnati, Glaus returned to the team — and to the active rotation of players. His shoulder, back and oblique all ready to play.

He went 2-for-5 with two RBIs and a double in Thursday’s rout at Cincy.

He’ll bat sixth and start at third tonight.

“I don’t know if that opportunity will be there tomorrow,” he said. “It is today.”

The lineups for tonight’s game against Milwaukee:

CARDINALS

1. Schumaker, 2B
2. Rasmus, CF
3. Pujols, 1B
4. Holliday, LF
5. Ludwick, RF
6. Glaus, 3B
7. Molina, C
8. Ryan, SS
9. Wainwright, P

BREWERS

1. Lopez, 2B
2. Counsell, 3B
3. Braun, LF
4. Fielder, 1B
5. Cameron, CF
6. Gerut, RF
7. Escobar, SS
8. Kendall, C
9. Looper, P

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