Pham back for Cards

Pham back for Cards

Outfielder to remain in Memphis for time being

MLB.com ST. LOUIS — Outfielder Tommy Pham has wrapped up his rehab assignment, but he will remain in the Minors as the Cardinals chose to option Pham to Triple-A Memphis instead of placing him back on their Major League roster.

Pham, who suffered a left oblique strain on Opening Day, played in 10 games -six with Memphis, four with Double-A Springfield — during his rehab stint.

He finished 9-for-32 with a home run and five RBIs.

Over the weekend, Pham also robbed two home runs while playing center field for Springfield.

While Pham recovered from injury, rookies Aledmys Diaz and Jeremy Hazelbaker shined. And while that's been a boost to St. Louis' offense, it complicated the roster situation for Pham. Though Pham would have given the Cards an additional righthanded bat, the club appears content to stick with Hazelbaker as its extra outfielder and to keep the right-handed-hitting Ruben Tejada as shortstop depth until Jhonny Peralta returns.

By Jenifer Langosch