Jake Westbrook is currently dealing with back stiffness. That's the reason why he didn't take batting practice with the other starting pitchers Thursday. However, it's unclear whether it will prevent him from making his next start. Injury or not, he doesn't deserve a rotation spot at the moment.

Cardinals manager Mike Matheny isn't ready to say whether Jake Westbrook will start against the Reds next week. Westbrook allowed five runs (four earned) over 4 2/3 innings against the Brewers on Wednesday and owns an ugly 9.69 ERA and 11/16 K/BB ratio over his last 26 innings of work. With the Cardinals jockeying for position in the NL Central, it's time for them to consider other options. For what it's worth, Westbrook didn't hit with the other starters on Thursday and merely watched, so one could take this as a hint about their future plans.

Jake Westbrook was pulled after allowing five runs -- four earned -- and nine hits in 4 2/3 innings Wednesday against the Brewers. Westbrook was given a big early lead -- seven runs in the first two innings -- but he was on the verge of letting it slip away when he was replaced by Kevin Siegrist in the fifth. Siegrist was able to get out of the jam, protecting the 7-5 lead and Westbrook's ERA. This really needs to be the end of Westbrook's time in the rotation, at least for a little while. Maybe Carlos Martinez will come up and replace him next week.

Jake Westbrook will remain in the Cardinals' rotation and make his scheduled start on Wednesday in Milwaukee, Cardinals manager Mike Matheny said. Westbrook has allowed 24 earned runs over his last 21 1/3 innings. The veteran has allowed nine runs in the first inning of his last two starts. "I know it's frustrating for him," Matheny said. "And baffling to us to try to put it all together. But, physically he feels good and, after you get past that first inning, he looks good." Westbrook's ERA has bloated from 2.95 to 4.35 since July 24.

Jake Westbrook struggled through 6 2/3 innings on Friday, giving up seven runs -- six earned -- and walking five against the Cubs. One of the walks was intentional, but even so, that still makes four unintentional walks for Westbrook in two of his last three outings. He's lost four straight starts and hasn't looked very good in any of them. The Cardinals have too many alternatives to keep giving him the ball while he's struggling like this. Maybe they'll go to Michael Wacha or Carlos Martinez next.

Jake Westbrook won't make his next start until Friday in Chicago. Westbrook threw over 100 pitches on three days' rest after relieving an injured Shelby Miller last Wednesday, so the Cardinals are giving him some extra rest. The sinkerballer holds an 11.05 ERA over his last 14 2/3 innings.

Jake Westbrook allowed five runs in five innings in a loss to the Reds on Saturday. Westbrook wasn't sharp from the outset, and he finished with five walks and four hits allowed. He moved to 7-6 with a 3.48 ERA on the year, as he's come down quickly in his last two starts after beginning the season strong. The right-hander will look to get back on track against the Dodgers on Thursday.

Jake Westbrook yielded three runs in seven innings but the Cardinals beat the Phillies on Wednesday. St. Louis' offense exploded for 11 runs and Westbrook simply threw strikes, yielding nine hits but no walks. The veteran sinkerballer will carry a 2.95 ERA into his next start Monday in Pittsburgh. He doesn't strike out many batters, but the ERA and potential for wins keep him somewhat relevant in deeper mixed fantasy leagues.

Jake Westbrook hurled 6 1/3 innings of two-run ball on eight hits in a win over the Padres on Friday. He struck out just one and walked three. The veteran right-hander has notched three consecutive quality starts, the first consistency he's shown since returning from the disabled list in mid-June. Westbrook improves to 6-4 with a 2.88 ERA.

Jake Westbrook spun seven innings of one-run ball in 4-1 win over the Marlins on Friday. Westbrook failed to register a strikeout, but he limited the Marlins to just three hits and didn't walk a batter. The veteran right-hander also induced 19 ground balls. The only run scored on a solo homer by Logan Morrison in the second inning. Westbrook has an impressive 2.78 ERA on the season, but he has been hit-or-miss since returning from the disabled list and his 27/26 K/BB ratio indicates that more regression is likely on the way. Don't get carried away in fantasy leagues.