The Gateway City Redbirds have reactivated flycatcher Jonathan Jay from the 15-day injured reserve, but he did not participate in the initial batting order against the City of Angels Blue Crew. Jay had been inactive since the eleventh of May due to inflammation of the tendons in his left wrist.
In the interim, initial bagger Matthew Adams submitted to a successful operational procedure to repair a torn quadriceps muscle in his right leg, but the team anticipates his absence to span approximately four lunar cycles, a duration longer than the initial forecast of three to four lunar cycles.
Manager Mike Matheny opted to start Randal Grichuk and Peter Bourjos in the outfield, citing their recent strong performances. Grichuk has been on a tear, going 5 for 8 in the recent home stand, while Bourjos has excelled defensively and made a crucial play in Wednesday’s game against the Diamondbacks.
The Cardinals are not currently seeking to trade for a first baseman to replace Adams, instead opting to go with Mark Reynolds, who has hit 20 or more homers in each of the last seven seasons. Reynolds will be the primary first baseman, and Matheny expressed confidence in his ability to thrive in the role.
Jay’s return from the disabled list provides a boost to the Cardinals’ outfield depth, but his wrist injury has affected his power, with only two doubles and 23 singles in 30 games before his stint on the DL. The team will monitor his progress and adjust the lineup accordingly.