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Cardinals promote three pitchers

Blazek, Butler & Lyons to join team for tonight's double-header; Rzepczynski & Salas optioned to Memphis (AAA)

The St. Louis Cardinals announced today that they have recalled three pitchers from Memphis (AAA) for tonight's double-header in Pittsburgh. Joining the Cardinals tonight are right-handed relievers Michael Blazek and Keith Butler and lefty Tyler Lyons. Lyons is slated to start game two of tonight's twin bill and will serve as the 26th man under Major League Baseball's rules for roster expansion during a double-header.

The team also announced that they have optioned left-handed pitcher Marc Rzepczynski and right-handed pitcher Fernando Salas to Memphis (AAA). Rzepczynski was sent down earlier today and Salas was optioned following last night's game.

Blazek, 24, will be making his third stint on the Major League roster this season. The rookie has played at three levels this season, going a combined 0-1 with a 1.41 ERA and 9 saves with Springfield (AA) and Memphis (AAA). He has appeared in four games (3.0 IP) for St. Louis.

Butler, a 24-year-old rookie, has also appeared at three levels this year. He is 1-2 with a 2.81 ERA and 8 saves between Springfield and Memphis and has posted a 1.98 ERA in 12 games (13.2 IP) for St. Louis.

Lyons, 25, made six starts for the Cardinals earlier this year, going 2-3 with a 5.51 ERA. Since returning to Memphis in late June, the rookie left-hander has gone 4-0 with a 1.65 ERA (32.2 IP/6 ER) in six starts, working into the 7th inning in all but two of those outings while striking out 37.

His overall season mark at Memphis stands at 6-1 with a 3.00 ERA in 14 games started (87.0 IP) with 75 strikeouts and a .226 opponent's batting average.

Blazek will wear uniform #67, Butler # 65 and Lyons #70. 

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