Cardinals option Butler to Memphis
St. Louis Cardinals optioned right-handed reliever Keith Butler to Class AAA Memphis on Monday.
Butler has 1.98 ERA in 13 2/3 innings over 12 appearances this season.
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported that this could signal the beginning of a series of moves the team makes as it assesses its bullpen and bench at the All-Star break.
The club is trying to determine what role it will have for right-hander Carlos Martinez, who was recently recalled from Memphis. The Cardinals might either use his in long relief or have him start in Memphis.
Also, veteran starter Chris Carpenter is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment for Class AA Springfield on Monday night. He has not pitched this year because of shoulder surgery. The team can keep him in rehab up to 30 days before either activating him or placing him back on the DL.
