41 Tyler O'Neill RF

O'Neill was optioned to Triple-A Memphis on Saturday.

With Luke Gregerson (shoulder) coming off the injured list, the Cardinals opted to send an outfielder down, rather than another relief pitcher. O'Neill is hitting .263 with one home run and a 46.2 percent strikeout rate in 38 at-bats this season. He has not received consistent opportunities at the big-league level but also has very little left to prove at Triple-A.

O'Neill (elbow) was hitless in a pinch-hit at-bat in a loss to the Reds on Friday, his first plate appearance following his activation from the injured list.

Manager Mike Shildt wasted no time in getting the slugging outfielder back in the lineup following his activation. The 23-year-old projects to return to a reserve role that should afford him periodic starts at multiple outfield spots.

O'Neill (elbow) was activated off the 10-day injured list Friday.

O'Neill wound up missing the minimum 10 days due to right elbow nerve subluxation. Lane Thomas was optioned to Triple-A Memphis in a corresponding move.

O'Neill (elbow) went 0-for-4 in Double-A Springfield's loss to Amarillo on Wednesday.

O'Neill went without a hit for the second straight rehab game, but he remains on track for a likely Friday activation. The 23-year-old projects to slot back into a part-time role in the outfield upon his return.

O'Neill (elbow) went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts in Double-A Springfield's loss to Amarillo on Tuesday.

It was the first of what might only be three rehab games for O'Neill with Springfield. The power-hitting outfielder could be activated as early as Friday, when he'd look to resume a solid start to his season (.286 average through 29 plate appearances).