To create a different mix on the big-league bench, the Cardinals are having two Class AAA infielders join the team in Philadelphia on Friday night.
The Cardinals promoted first baseman Xavier Scruggs and utility fielder Greg Garcia to the roster. They optioned out catcher Ed Easley and pitcher Mitch Harris to reduce the bullpen by one and add an element to the bench that has been missing for weeks. Both players were sent to Class AAA Memphis.
Garcia batted .313 with a .405 on-base percentage at Memphis, and hit .362 with runners in scoring position. He played primarily at shortstop but also started 17 games at second base.