Pinched neck prompts Cardinals to scratch Piscotty from lineup

ST. LOUIS -- Rookie Stephen Piscotty was scratched from the St. Louis Cardinals' lineup due to a stiff neck.

Dan Johnson replaces Piscotty playing first base and batting eighth against the Kansas City Royals on Thursday night.

Piscotty was 2 for 8 with a double in two starts, the first appearances of his career since his contract was purchased from Triple A Memphis.

Johnson, whose contract was purchased from Memphis earlier this month, was 2 for 10 in six games.

Mark Reynolds, who has gotten the bulk of playing time at first base, was out of the lineup. He entered the game 2 for 14 in his career against Royals starter Chris Young.