PITTSBURGH -- The Cardinals fully expect to get a key piece of lineup depth back this week, as infielder Jedd Gyorko is on track to return for Friday's home opener in St. Louis.

Gyorko started the season on the injured list after sustaining a right calf strain during Spring Training. The club plans to have him in the lineup against the Padres in St. Louis, but he joined the team in Pittsburgh for the road series opener.

“Everything feels good,” Gyorko said Monday. “No reservations. Everything feels ready to go.”

Before heading to Pittsburgh, the 30-year-old infielder got work in at Minor League camp, where he was able to monitor his workload over four games. He took reps at first, second and third base during his recovery, and he’ll continue his rehab under the supervision of the Major League staff.

Gyorko offers infield flexibility for the Cardinals, as he saw time at all four infield positions last season. He got a majority of his starts at third base last season, splitting time with Matt Carpenter, but with the addition of first baseman Paul Goldschmidt this offseason, Gyorko will likely see more time in a utility role.

The Cardinals have two scheduled off-days this week, which will help give their infield starters extra rest, but Gyorko’s presence to step in and contribute when needed will be a key asset for the team.

“He provides versatility for us,” manager Mike Shildt said. “He’s been a regular for us, done damage. ... He’s a nice weapon off the bench, can play a couple of different places and understands how to play the game, so it’ll be good to have him back full bore Opening Day at home.”

The trip to Pittsburgh also gives the Morgantown, W.Va., native a chance to spend time back in his hometown. Gyorko played college ball in Morgantown at West Virginia University, where he holds the Mountaineers' records for batting average (.404), doubles (73) and home runs (tied, 35).

“I was at home yesterday, and I’m going to go home again tonight and tomorrow and hang out with the family and get to see them, which is pretty cool,” Gyorko said. “It doesn’t get to happen very often during the season, so I try to take advantage when it does.”

Gyorko watched the Cardinals’ opening series with the Brewers from afar. Though the team dropped the series, with three losses decided by two or fewer runs, he saw some good signs that have him excited to join the club in its division title pursuit.

“It was exciting to see the guys compete,” he said. “I think we played -- from watching it -- pretty good, just some of the outcomes didn’t turn out the way we liked. But for the most part, the guys were competing.”