The Cardinals recalled Tommy Pham, an outfielder from Class AAA Memphis, for Friday's game against the San Diego Padres.
Pham will start in center field and bat eighth tonight. He started the 2015 season on the 60-day disabled list, but he has a .338 batting average and five home runs in 24 games for Memphis since returning.
The Cardinals optioned pitcher Tim Cooney, who started against the Padres on Thursday night.
Left fielder Matt Holliday is still out with a quad strain, and outfielder Jon Jay (wrist) was placed on the disabled list Thursday. Peter Bourjos started three games in center field this week but went 1 for 11 with six strikeouts.