CHICAGO -- Third baseman Felipe Lopez was again on manager Tony La Russa's lineup card Sunday. This time he stayed there.

Benched Saturday after arriving late to the clubhouse, Lopez batted leadoff in Sunday's nationally televised game against the Cubs. His two-out home run in the 11th lifted the Cardinals to a 4-3 victory.

But as he did Saturday, Lopez declined to discuss events that led to his late arrival and subsequent benching.

"Some things are better off staying in here," Lopez said as he gestured to his clubhouse surroundings.

La Russa met with Lopez after Friday's 5-0 loss and again after Saturday's tardy entry.

General manager John Mozeliak said he had yet to fully discuss the matter with La Russa but didn't rule out a conversation with the team's de facto starting third baseman.

"My take is that it's been handled," Mozeliak said. "But I'd like to discuss it with the manager before saying much more about it."

La Russa cut off questions about the matter Saturday and indicated Sunday that he believed it resolved.

"He's in the lineup, isn't he?" La Russa said. .

Jay starts again

Jon Jay started in center field for a second straight game over Colby Rasmus. Rasmus' playing time may continue to ebb in the team's series against the New York Mets. The Mets are expected to start lefthanders Jonathon Niese, Hisanori Takahashi and Johan Santana. La Russa guaranteed that Rasmus would receive at least one start; however, Rasmus entered Sunday on a one-for-20 skid while Jay has remained perhaps the team's hottest bat. Ryan Ludwick is expected to start Tuesday, forcing another decision between Rasmus and Jay.