St. Louis, MO (My Sportsbook) - The St. Louis Cardinals activated outfielder J.D. Drew from the 15-day disabled list prior to Sunday's game against the Arizona Diamondbacks. He has been out since the start of the season after undergoing offseason knee surgery. Drew was inserted into the Cardinals starting lineup and will bat seventh. He replaced the struggling Eli Marrero in right field. In 135 games last season, Drew batted .252 with 18 home runs and 56 RBI. Patellar tendinitis in his right knee landed him on the disabled list in June and July, but his 135 games played still matched a career-high. Over his four-plus big-league seasons, Drew is a .281 hitter with 81 home runs and 238 RBIs. He is eligible for free agency after the 2004 season. Drew returns only days after star outfielder Albert Pujols injured his elbow and is restricted to pinch-hitting duties. St. Louis optioned pitcher Kevin Ohme to Triple-A Memphis in order to make room on the roster for Drew. He had pitched in two games and not allowed a run in 4 1/3 innings. |
