Michael Wacha will start for the St. Louis Cardinals on Thursday against the Milwaukee Brewers.

The 23-year-old will replace Justin Masterson, who has been moved to the bullpen. He is 5-5 with a 2.79 ERA in 15 starts and has been on the disabled list with a right shoulder stress reaction.

If all goes well, Wacha will likely add 15-20 pitches per start and be at full strength for the postseason.

"I feel as strong as I've ever been," Wacha said. "Will definitely last me for the rest of this year, hopefully. Just sticking with the rehab stuff and this whole process. It's been a grind, happy to be out there Thursday."