Lance Berkman Hits DL; Cardinals Activate Skip Schumaker

The St. Louis Cardinals have placed first baseman Lance Berkman on their 15-day disabled list with a left calf injury.  In a corresponding move, the Cardinals activated Skip Schumaker from the DL.

Berkman, who has been nursing a sore calf for much of the season, was able to return to the Cardinals lineup earlier this week.  Unfortunately for Berkman, the veteran re-injured his left calf Wednesday night while chasing popup.

Berkman told reporters that he was “still pretty sore” yesterday morning and that a trip to the DL was a possibility.  The Cardinals didn’t feel that they could carry an unavailable Berkman for an extended period as they don’t have any off days until the end of the month.

The Cardinals are hoping Berkman can return after the minimum requirement of 15 days, but a similar injury caused the slugger to miss three weeks during the 2009 season.

Matt Carpenter has manned first base in Berkman’s absence and has proven more than capable during his limited opportunities.  Over his 11 games played, Carpenter is 9-28 with five extra base hits and 11 RBIs, good for an OPS of .965.

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