Cardinals activate young outfielder after lengthy stay on injured list

The St. Louis Cardinals are likely out of contention as the month of September begins. They are 68-68 and six games out in the National League Wild Card race.

However, they appear to be getting healthier just in time for the stretch run of the 2024 season. On Sunday, they added a key player back from the injured list in addition to left-hander Steven Matz.

Katie Woo of The Athletic provided the news.

"Michael Siani was also added to the 28-man roster today, but since he's traveling back from rehab, he will not be available today," Woo tweeted. "He will meet the team in Milwaukee on Monday."

Siani has been one of St. Louis' feel-good stories this season. He was only guaranteed a roster spot out of spring training because of injuries to Tommy Edman and Dylan Carlson.

However, he seized the starting center field job, impressing with his Gold Glove-caliber defense. The 25-year-old has also emerged as a solid hitter.

Siani is hitting .256 with two home runs, 18 RBI, and 14 stolen bases. Having him back should give St. Louis a bit of an offensive boost from the center field position, as well as an upgrade over the struggling Victor Scott II.

The young outfielder strained his oblique on August 3 against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field and missed nearly a month recovering from the injury.

He'll likely reclaim the starting spot at center field as the Cardinals look to play the role of spoiler against contending teams down the stretch.

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