Cardinals' Villanueva 'staying ready' despite infrequent use

Cardinals pitcher Carlos Villanueva is filling a long-relief role for the team this season, causing him to be used infrequently, but he doesn't see an issue with the role and says he's been "staying ready" between appearances, MLB.com reports.

"I've done it before and that's what I'm here for," Villanueva said of the infrequent use. "I don't see it as being a factor. I've stayed ready in between. I've thrown my sides. It's something that I have to deal with and keep myself ready for situations like [Tuesday]."

Villanueva made his second appearance of the season Tuesday, giving up a walkoff home run to take the loss. He figures to see more action as the team gets involved in more blowouts, as the Cardinals have seen just two of their games decided by more than three runs.

"Games look a little different, he's going to get opportunities to pitch," manager Mike Matheny said. "It just hasn't worked out that way. I know he's not looking for excuses. He wants to throw. I get it. But he serves a very important purpose for us down there so we can pitch the guys [in the bullpen] like we're pitching them. He's the safety valve on the back end."