St. Louis ? Judging from his astronomical ERA, Cal Eldred has hit an early roadblock in his comeback with the St. Louis Cardinals.

The right-hander, pitching for the first time in two seasons, has allowed five runs on six hits and retired only one batter in his first two appearances. He has been touched for a pair of home runs, including a three-run shot by Royce Clayton Wednesday, leaving his ERA at 135.00, and opponents are batting a robust .857 against him.

Eldred reached double figures in victories five times in the 1990s and was a 16-game winner in 1993 with the Brewers. He’s adjusting to his first full-time bullpen duty after a long career as a starter, with only five relief appearances among 196 outings.

“I guess I’m pretty confident I can make that adjustment,” Eldred said. “As far as I’m concerned, the sooner the better. I’m sure they’re thinking the same thing.”

Manager Tony La Russa didn’t appear overly concerned.

“I’d like to see him get off to a better start,” he said. “I don’t think you can make a lot of it.”