Wainwright came away with a no-decision Sunday, allowing five runs on six hits and five walks over five innings while striking out two.

EDGE Analysis

It was a very un-Wainwright-like outing, as he threw just 52 of 87 pitches for strikes. There's still plenty of time for him to turn things around, but a 6.55 ERA and 5:8 K:BB in 11 innings weren't exactly what anyone was expecting. He'll next take the mound Saturday, at home against the Reds.

Wainwright tossed six innings in Sunday's Opening Day loss to the Pirates, allowing three runs on six hits and three walks while striking out three.

EDGE Analysis

He eked out a quality start, but otherwise this wasn't exactly the kind of performance the Cardinals were hoping for from Wainwright after his abbreviated 2015 campaign. His next start will come in the weekend set in Atlanta, a much less dangerous opponent than Pittsburgh.

Wainwright is on track to be the Cardinals opening day starter for the fourth consecutive year, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

EDGE Analysis

Not much of a surprise here as Wainwright is still considered to be the staff ace in St. Louis and Matheny confirmed as much. Wainwright is 34 years old but doesn't have the usual mileage of other ace's his age. He should be counted on for another top 25 season in most fantasy leagues.

Wainwright made his return to an MLB mound Wednesday, giving up two hits and a run while recording a strikeout in an inning of work against the Pirates.

EDGE Analysis

Sure, he wasn't at his sharpest, but it's impressive that Wainwright's made his way back from Achilles surgery, and he'll likely make regular-season another appearance or two with an eye on being an integral member of the St. Louis bullpen in the playoffs.

Wainwright was activated from the 60-day disabled list Wendesday and will be available out of the bullpen for the Cardinals' doubleheader against Pittsburgh.

EDGE Analysis

Wainwright bolsters an already strong Cardinals' bullpen. The Cardinals' transferred Carlos Martinez to the 60-day disabled list in a corresponding move.

Wainwright (Achilles) will be available out of the Cardinals' bullpen starting Wednesday, MLB.com's Jenifer Langosch reports.

EDGE Analysis

Assuming Wainwright feels good after throwing his third simulated inning in a week Monday afternoon, he could get an inning or two of regular-season action in before the Cardinals embark on their playoff run. It seems hard to believe that Wainwright will have time to get stretched out as a starter for the postseason, but he's played the role of an elite reliever in the playoffs before.

Wainwright (Achilles) threw another simulated game Monday, Jim Hayes of Fox Sports Midwest reports.

EDGE Analysis

Wainwright continues to progress in his recovery from an Achilles issue, and it's expected that he will pitch in relief at some point this week. With Carlos Martinez (shoulder) out for the season, it would be beneficial if Wainwright could start in the postseason, but it seems more likely he will be limited to relief.

Wainwright (Achilles) will throw another simulated game this weekend after completing a 25-pitch session on Wednesday, if all goes well he could be used in relief some time next week, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

EDGE Analysis

It's possible Wainwright could get a start in the postseason but at this point it seems highly unlikely. Considering the Cardinals pitching depth it would be somewhat surprising to even see him on the postseason roster, at least in the divisional series.

Wainwright (Achilles) has been cleared for baseball activity, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

EDGE Analysis

Wainwright made just four starts with the Cardinals this season before the Achilles issue sent him to the disabled list. It appears he's on track to rejoin the team at some point, but he will attempt to pitch as a reliever when or if he returns down the playoff stretch.

Wainwright (Achilles) may not return to the rotation this season, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

EDGE Analysis

His recovery is going well after another successful bullpen session on Wednesday, but if he returns before the postseason it would only be as a reliever.