Skip Schumaker Activated From DL By Cardinals

The Cardinals’ Skip Schumaker has been on the disabled list since a hamstring injury in Atlanta on May 30. Three weeks later, he’s ready to return:

Cardinals announce Skip Schumaker activated from DL for tonight in Detroit. Cleto sent out to make room.

— DKnobler (@DKnobler) June 19, 2012

The Cardinals could use Schumaker’s versatility; he can play all three outfield positions plus second base, and was hitting .321/.378/.432 in 90 plate appearances before hitting the DL. It was his second DL stint of the season; he also began the year on the list.

The Cardinals have sent more players to the DL than I could possibly begin to recount here, and yet, they hang in the NL Central race, currently a game over .500 in third place, 4½ games behind the Reds.

By sending relief pitcher Maikel Cleto back to the minor leagues to make room for Schumaker, the Cardinals return to the now-typical 12-man pitching staff.

For more on the Cardinals, please visit Viva El Birdos and SB Nation St. Louis.

Allen Craig And Skip Schumaker Trade Places; Craig Activated; Schumaker Disabled

The Cardinals’ Skip Schumaker suffered a hamstring injury in the team’s last game, on Wednesday at Turner Field. The injury was serious enough that they placed him on the 15-day disabled list, according to a team press release:

The St. Louis Cardinals today placed INF/OF Skip Schumaker on the 15-day disabled list with a right hamstring strain, retroactive to May 31. Schumaker came out of the team’s last game, May 30, at Atlanta with the injury.

The good news for St. Louis is that Allen Craig is the player activated to take Schumaker’s place. Craig had knee surgery in the offseason and didn’t make his season debut until May 1. After playing in just 13 games — though with an excellent .373/.424/.765 line — Craig also had a hamstring strain and has been on the DL for the last 15 days.

The Cardinals press release also made note of one other roster move:

The club also announced that left-handed pitcher Sam Freeman was recalled from Triple-A Memphis. The 24-year-old Freeman will be making his Major League debut.

For more on the Cardinals, please visit Viva El Birdos and SB Nation St. Louis.

Cardinals' Skip Schumaker Probably Heading To DL