photo: Paul DeJong (Jeff Curry/USA TODAY Sports Images)
St. Louis Cardinals press release
The St. Louis Cardinals announced prior to tonight’s (Friday) game in San Francisco that they have activated infielder Paul DeJong from the 10-day disabled list and optioned rookie left-handed pitcher Austin Gomber to the Memphis Redbirds (AAA).
DeJong has missed the previous 45 games after suffering a left hand fracture while being hit by a pitch on May 17. Prior to his stint on the disabled list, DeJong was the lone Cardinal to appear in all 41 games, while also leading the club in RBI and co-leading in home runs.
In four injury rehab games with Memphis, the 24-year-old DeJong batted .308 (4-for-13) with one home run, two doubles, and three RBI.
Gomber, 24, appeared in 15 games, most on the Cardinals staff since his recall on June 2, posting a 3.77 ERA in 14.1 innings while inducing four double plays.
Brian Walton’s take
At least for now, the Cardinals are choosing to go with a seven-man bullpen while keeping three reserve infielders – Greg Garcia, Yaino Muñoz and whichever one of Kolten Wong/Jedd Gyorko is not starting that day.
With Memphis’ roster full, it remains to be seen how Gomber’s return to Triple-A will be accommodated. We will likely see about that on Saturday. It will also be interesting to see to what role the lefty returns. Prior to his call-up, Gomber was starting for Memphis, but was used in short relief with St. Louis, so is not stretched out currently.
In another potential twist, closer Bud Norris is reportedly getting checked out due to a finger injury and if that turns into a DL move, Gomber could return immediately. The normal 10-day wait for an optioned player before he can return to the majors is waived if he is replacing an injured player.
DeJong is in St. Louis’ Friday night lineup at San Francisco, batting sixth and playing shortstop.
Update
St. Louis pitching coach Mike Maddux told reporters that Gomber will return to starting with Memphis. That will begin on Sunday as he will take the ball in the Redbirds’ final game before the Triple-A All-Star break, Maddux disclosed.
As a result, prior Sunday starter Dakota Hudson may receive some extra rest leading into his Wednesday start in the Triple-A All-Star Game in Columbus, Ohio against the International League.
Gregerson moves
St. Louis right-handed reliever Luke Gregerson’s minor league rehab is shifting from Memphis to Springfield for this Friday through Sunday, the Double-A club announced.
In the first leg of his rehab, which began on July 1, the 34-year old appeared twice for the Triple-A Redbirds this past week, tossing two scoreless innings on two hits and no walks with three strikeouts.
Gregerson has been on St. Louis’ 10-day disabled list since May 16 due to a right shoulder impingement.
So does Lyons
With Gregerson leaving the Triple-A Redbirds, another St. Louis reliever begins his rehab there. With Memphis on Friday, lefty Tyler Lyons opened his stint coming back from his June 6 disabled trip due to an elbow sprain .
That evening, the 30-year old got off to a good re-start, tossing a 1-2-3 eighth. Lyons threw eight of 13 pitches for strikes, recording a fly out and two ground outs against Omaha’s 7-8-9 hitters.
For more
Follow all moves and team rosters via the ROSTERS/PLAYERS/MOVES menu in the left column as well as on the Roster Matrix here at The Cardinal Nation.
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Brian Walton can be reached via email at brian@thecardinalnation.com. Follow Brian on Twitter.
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