Cardinals RHP Carlos Villanueva continues fine bullpen work

Cardinals pitcher Carlos Villanueva was a savior for manager Mike Matheny on Saturday against the Tigers. After starter Tyler Lyons was lifted with two outs in the fourth inning, Villanueva did all he could to keep his team in the game.

He pitched 3 1/3 scoreless innings, allowing four hits and one walk. He also struck out a pair.

"Somebody is going to have to pay, and it's the rest of our bullpen that is paying when we can't get our starters very deep in the game," Cardinals manager Mike Matheny said to MLB.com. "It's got to change. We have to figure out how to get it done."

The right-hander has thrived in his role as a swingman/long reliever this season. He currently boasts a 0.50 ERA over 10 appearences. It remains to be seen if Villanueva will be moved into the rotation at some point this season.