Ahead of opening a three-game series vs. the Reds at Busch Stadium, the Cardinals on Friday placed Ivan Herrera on the 10-day injured list with a left hamstring strain and recalled infielder Thomas Saggese from Class AAA Memphis in a corresponding move.
Herrera, 25, started at catcher in the first game of a road doubleheader vs. the White Sox on Thursday. Herrera caught seven innings before being replaced in the bottom of the eight inning by Pedro Pages, who took over on catching duties when the Cardinals took a 5-4 lead in the top of half of the eighth.
On occasions this season, Pages been used as a defensive replacement for Herrera when the Cardinals have lead late in games.
Despite missing over a month between April and May because of a bone bruise in his left knee, Herrera has posted a .320/.392/.533 slash line with eight homers, eight doubles, and 36 RBIs in 42 games. Having served mostly as a designated hitter upon his return from the IL in early May, Herrera has posted an .831Â on-base plus slugging percentage in 35 games in his last 35 games.
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Saggese returns to the majors for the first time since late April. The 23-year-old utility infielder has batted .317 with a .402 on-base percentage and a .445 slugging percentage in 42 games while with Memphis. Through 50 at-bats in June, Saggese has a .420/.508/.540 slash line.
An infielder with experience at third base, second base, and at shortstop, Saggese batted .341 and held an .876 on-baser plus slugging percentage in 14 games during his sting in the majors earlier this season.
