CINCINNATI -- Matt Adams knew what was expected of him.
As a Major League player on a Minor League rehab assignment with Triple-A Memphis, Adams would need to follow a time-honored baseball tradition by providing a memorable meal for his teammates.
"I bought them a nice Cuban spread down in Memphis," Adams said. "I asked some advice down there and was told that was the go-to meal down there. It seemed to go over pretty well. Overall, it was a pretty productive rehab."
Adams thus earned some goodwill during his five games with the Redbirds while allowing his injured right shoulder to properly heal. The St. Louis first baseman was activated from the 15-day disabled list prior to Friday's 3-2 loss to the Reds. He had been sidelined since Aug. 10 with right shoulder inflammation.
Adams went 3-for-16 with one home run and one double with Memphis. He walked twice during each of his last two games. Prior to his shoulder problems, Adams was batting .249 with 12 home runs and 44 RBIs in 253 at-bats.
"I wanted my numbers to be better, but I felt like I was taking good at-bats [at the time of the injury]," Adams said. "It was a tough spot when the shoulder thing came up."
Cardinals manager Mike Matheny elected not to start Adams on Friday despite his impressive career numbers against the Reds (.341/.385/.630). There is a logjam of potentially productive first basemen on the roster, including Matt Carpenter, who started there Friday, and Brandon Moss, who started in left field. Adams did pinch-hit in the seventh inning Friday, grounding out to short.
"We're not at that place in the season where giving guys at-bats is an issue," Matheny said. "Matt was hoping to get healthy to where he could be a viable option for us wherever."
The additon of Adams adds a little bit more danger to a St. Louis offense that came into the weekend with a .341 pinch-hit average this season and 14 pinch-hit home runs (tying a Major League record).
"Whatever my role is during the last part of the season, I'm willing to accept it," Adams said. Whatever will help this team win. If my role is to come off the bench and pinch-hit, I'm all for it. I've been good in the past with that."
Worth noting
• Right-hander Mike Leake (shingles) is expected to rejoin the team Saturday and throw a bullpen session Sunday.
"The doctors are very confident with where he is right now," Matheny said of Leake, who began a throwing program Wednesday.
• Right-hander Trevor Rosenthal (right shoulder inflammation) and Brayan Peña (left knee inflammation) could be activated from the DL as soon as Monday, Matheny said. Shortstop Aledmys Díaz (right thumb fracture) is taking batting practice in Florida and could resume live action soon.

• On Friday, Major League Baseball held a league-wide initiative to raise awareness for childhood cancer. Cardinals players joined in, wearing gold wristbands to show their support.