The Mets have decided on a starting pitcher for Tuesday night’s game here in St. Louis, but Jerry Manuel said he won’t announce the move until after tonight’s contest. The spot starter is expected to be Triple-A New Orleans right-hander Tony Armas Jr., a major-league veteran who is 5-7 with a 2.54 ERA — best on the staff — in 17 starts for the Zephyrs this season.

A spot starter is needed because of last Friday’s day-night doubleheader with the Yankees. Manuel did not want to start Pedro Martinez on just four days’ rest.

Righty Todd Wellemeyer (7-2, 3.46) is the Cardinals’ scheduled starter Tuesday night.