ST. LOUIS -- Considering the litany of injuries that dented their roster and challenged their depth over the last calendar month, the Cardinals did well to tread water during that span: going 13-13 to remain seven games above .500 and within striking distance in the NL Central.
The club returned arguably its two most important players prior to Tuesday's series opener against the Marlins, reinstating right-hander Carlos Martinez and catcher Yadier Molina from the disabled list.
The transactions sparked a flurry of corresponding moves: catcher Carson Kelly and right-hander Mike Mayers were optioned to Triple-A Memphis, infielder Greg Garcia was placed on the paternity list, the contract of right-hander Preston Guilmet was purchased from Memphis and catcher Steven Baron was designated for assignment to make room for Guilmet on the 40-man roster.