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ST. LOUIS (AP) — The St. Louis Cardinals have activated Kevin Siegrist from the 15-day disabled list, adding a left-handed reliever to the mix for the first series after the All-Star break.
They haven't ruled out adding top prospect Alex Reyes, whose hit 101 mph while striking out four in two innings starting for Team World in the Futures Game.
General manager John Mozeliak said Friday that the 21-year-old Reyes, who is at Triple-A Memphis, will likely be a starter in the majors. The GM said it's possible the Cardinals could add Reyes for bullpen help or as part of a six-man rotation, or even to provide a break for one of the other members of the rotation.
Bullpen is a need for the team heading into the Aug. 1 trade deadline.
"At some point Reyes could come up here and work out of the bullpen or at some point we could decide to give him a start or two," Mozeliak said. "I think we just want to be open-minded as we approach the next couple weeks."
Mozeliak thought it might be more difficult to make deals this year because it's tough to determine which spot would benefit from an upgrade.
"I think it might be a little bit harder than some years where it's just very glaring what we need to do," the GM said.
The Cardinals will be without All-Star Matt Carpenter, one of the top leadoff men in the majors, for about a month with a strained right oblique. First baseman-outfielder Brandon Moss (sprained ankle) is still wearing a boot so he's likely not close to returning.
Both Mozeliak and manager Mike Matheny remained bullish on the Cardinals' chances of contending for a playoff spot. They led the majors with 100 wins last year and have been to the postseason five consecutive years.
"You think I changed my mind at the All-Star break?" Matheny joked. "No, I won't back off what I think of this club and who we are. Nothing's going to change my mind on that, and nothing should change their minds."
Right-handed reliever Sam Tuivailala was optioned to Memphis.
Siegrist, who turns 27 Wednesday, has been out since June 30 with mononucleosis. He was 5-2, tied for the National League lead in victories by a reliever.
Siegrist had a 2.78 ERA and one save in 35 appearances covering 32 1-3 innings with 34 strikeouts.
The 23-year-old Tuivailala played in three games from July 3-6, allowing three runs in two innings.
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