Cesar Tordesillas

Shelby Miller will be the St. Louis Cardinals' fifth starter on account of a solid outing in a 4-3 win against the Minnesota Twins.

Miller, who gave up one run on six hits and two walks over 4 1/3 innings while string out two, beat out Joe Kelly for the final spot in the rotation.

After the game, manager Mike Matheny said Miller would be a starter and Kelly will make the roster as a long reliever.

The right-handed Miller had an impressive spring, as he posted a 3.94 ERA in 16 innings, walking five and striking out 13. He got his first taste of the big leagues last season, when he posted a 1.32 ERA in 13 2/3 innings as a September callup before seeing action against the Giants in the National League Championship Series.

"I'm really excited," said Miller, 22, the Cardinals' second-best prospect. "I'm still kind of taking it all in. To be the fifth starter for any team is amazing. To be playing for the St. Louis Cardinals is different. It's one of the best respected organizations in baseball. I'm looking forward to the opportunity I have."

Miller made his big league debut last year during a call-up from the minors late last seasonand went 1-0 with a 1.32 ERA in six games.

The 6-foot-3, 215-pound righty said he made a goal to put on a lot of muscle and weight and come in with a different body.

"I'm trying to do the little things right to try and make me a better pitcher," Miller said.

Manager Mike Matheny said even after Miller's worst outing of spring training that he deserved the fifth spot.

"We explained to him in a year's time the maturing in his game and as a person -- it's just off the charts," Matheny said. "He's trending in a great direction. He just has to keep that going. There's a bright future for him. Remember what got him to this point."

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Shelby Miller edges out Joe Kelly for Cardinals fifth starter job