Grichuk, Duke activated from DL
CHICAGO — The St. Louis Cardinals activated outfielder Randal Grichuk and reliever Zach Duke from the disabled list before Friday’s victory over the Chicago Cubs and recalled catching prospect Carson Kelly from Class AAA Memphis.
St. Louis also acquired minor league outfielder Tyler O’Neill in a trade with Seattle for left-hander Marco Gonzales, and designated catcher Eric Fryer for assignment. Right-hander Sam Tuivailala and outfielder Magneuris Sierra were optioned to the minors after Thursday’s 3-2 loss to the New York Mets.
The Cardinals began Friday in fourth place in the National League Central, 4½ games back of division-leading Milwaukee.
Kelly, who turned 23 on July 14, is regarded as one of St. Louis’ top prospects. He hit .283 with 10 home runs and 41 RBI in 68 games with Memphis.
He was thrust into action against the Cubs when All-Star catcher Yadier Molina was scratched with right ankle discomfort. The Cardinals said Molina was available off the bench.
Grichuk was sidelined by a lower back injury. He started the series opener against Chicago and hit a home run in his first plate appearance, hitting a drive to left in the second inning for a solo shot off Jake Arrieta in the Cardinals’ 11-4 victory.
Grichuk made a rehab appearance with Class AA Springfield on Wednesday and went 1 for 4 with a three-run home run.
Duke, 34, is coming back from Tommy John surgery in October. He went 2-1 with a 2.36 ERA in 81 games last season for St. Louis and the Chicago White Sox.
“It’s really a surprise to all of us in the sense that he would be able to contribute this month,” Mozeliak said. “I really thought if we saw him some time in August, that would be great.”
O’Neill, a third-round pick in the 2013 draft, hit .244 with 19 home runs and 56 RBI in 93 games with Class AAA Tacoma. He will report to Memphis.
“This is a player that has a lot of offensive upside,” Mozeliak said. “At 22, he has accomplished a lot already at Triple A. So, for us, it just adds to our offensive depth.”