St. Louis Cardinals

Tommy Pham says it was difficult not making the team out of spring training after playing in 78 games last season for the Cardinals.

However, the outfielder is getting another chance at the major league level and made an immediate impact after being recalled from Class AAA Memphis on May 5. He hit a two-run homer and a double in his first game and then hit two more homers, including the game-winner in the 14th inning, and had a career-high four hits Sunday.

“It’s an honor. That’s one thing I learned from being down there,” Pham said of playing in the major leagues.

Said manager Mike Matheny, “He is a dangerous player when he’s locked in and swinging the bat well. We’ve seen him go on tears for us before, so it’s nice he’s in a good place right now.”

Pham took the roster spot of right fielder Stephen Piscotty, who was placed on the disabled list because of a strained right hamstring. There was no immediate timetable on how long Piscotty would be out, but his absence was likely to extend beyond 10 days.

The Cardinals made the rare move of promoting a player to the major leagues from high Class A when they called up 21-year-old outfielder Magneuris Sierra from Palm Beach (Jupiter, Fla.) on Sunday. He replaced outfielder

Jose Martinez, who’s on the disabled list with a groin injury.