The St. Louis Cardinals announced prior to tonight's series opener with Atlanta that they have activated All-Star infielder Matt Carpenter (right oblique) from the 15-day disabled list and optioned left-handed pitcher Dean Kiekhefer to Memphis (AAA).
Carpenter, who was disabled on July 7, missed a total of 24 games while on the disabled list. He appeared in four games with Springfield (AA) during an injury rehabilitation assignment and batted .333 (4-for-12) with a double and home run. Carpenter started three games at 2nd base and one at 3rd base during his rehab stint with Springfield.
Carpenter, who was named to his third N.L. All-Star team last month, is batting .298 (85-for-285) with 14 HR's and 53 RBI in 78 games while producing career bests in both on-base pct. (.420) and slugging (.568).
Carpenter has made starts at third base (49 games), second base (24) and first base (3) this season.