Miguel Batista, who appeared the favorite over Jeremy Hefner to make Monday's start against the St. Louis Cardinals, may have altered that plan Wednesday.

Making a rehab start for Double-A Binghamton, Batista allowed five runs (four earned) on four hits and four walks in seven innings against Reading. He struck out three, allowed one homer and uncorked two wild pitches. Batista threw 83 pitches (49 strikes).

He is on the DL with a strained oblique/lower-back muscle.

Batista is eligible to return from the disabled list Monday.