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.

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