The Cardinals activated Nootbaar (oblique) from the 10-day injured list Monday.
Nootbaar missed nearly six weeks of action with a strained oblique and is ready to return after going 6-for-23 with two home runs during a seven-game rehab assignment at Double-A Springfield. He should resume everyday duties in right field, resulting in Alec Burleson settling back in as St. Louis' designated hitter.