ST. LOUIS -- The news had been expected for days, but that makes it no less encouraging: Matt Carpenter has been activated from the 15-day disabled list.
Carpenter, who left a July 6 game with a right oblique injury he suffered on a checked swing, is back from a monthlong absence. His welcome return comes a few days after infielder Jhonny Peralta (thumb) and first baseman/outfielder Brandon Moss (left ankle) also came back from injuries -- moves that became all the more important following the loss of shortstop Aledmys Diaz (thumb fracture) for at least two weeks.
To make room for Carpenter on the roster, the Cardinals optioned left-hander Dean Kiekhefer to Triple-A Memphis.
Carpenter missed 24 games. He appeared in four games with Double-A Springfield during an injury rehabilitation assignment and batted .333 (4 for 12) with a double and home run. Carpenter started three games at second base and one at third base during his rehab stint.
Carpenter, who was named to his third National League All-Star team last month, is batting .298 with 14 home runs and 53 RBIs in 78 games while producing career bests in both on-base percentage (.420) and slugging percentage (.568).
Carpenter has made starts at third base (49 games), second base (24) and first base (three) this season. He is expected to contribute at both second and third base while Diaz is out.
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