ST. LOUIS -- Nationals left-hander John Lannan was planning to pitch for Triple-A Columbus on Sunday. Instead, he will throw against the Cardinals at Busch Stadium. Lannan was recalled to the big leagues after the Nationals placed reliever Chad Cordero on the 15-day disabled list.

The last time Lannan pitched was on Tuesday in a simulated game. It was after the game when he found out he was going to pitch in the big leagues again. Lannan arrived in St. Louis on Friday.

"It's feels great to be back," Lannan said. "I didn't think about it too much [before then]. They told me I was doing a simulated game to set up for Sunday in Columbus."

Lannan, 23, was the Nationals' best pitcher during Spring Training, going 2-0 with a 2.18 ERA in five games, but left-hander Matt Chico beat out Lannan for the fourth spot in the rotation.

"I have had no feelings of disappointment at all the last few years just because of everything that has happened and all the opportunities they have given me," Lannan said. "There is no disappointment in my end."

A lot of good things have happened for Lannan. Last year, he was named the Nationals' Minor League pitcher of the year after going a combined 12-3 with a 2.31 ERA. He was promoted to the big leagues in late July and went 2-2 with a 4.15 ERA in six starts.

"[I like] his command. It's very good for a guy his age, especially being left-handed," manager Manny Acta said. "He is able to hit that glove consistently and he shows no fear."