Cardinals activate Holliday from disabled list

MILWAUKEE -- The Cardinals' roster continued to get healthier Tuesday, when St. Louis activated outfielder Matt Holliday from the disabled list prior to its series opener against the Brewers.

For now, Holliday, who missed 41 games since going to the disabled list on July 30 with a right quad strain, is just a pinch-hitter.

The Cardinals utilized a similar strategy in bringing first baseman Matt Adams back from the disabled list. Adams made his return to the starting lineup Tuesday. 

Because a Minor League rehab assignment is not available, Holliday will use his pinch-hit appearances to regain his timing at the plate.

"Having that potential weapon off the bench is valuable for us," manager Mike Matheny said.

When Holliday will return to the lineup has yet to be determined. 

Holliday ran the bases prior to Tuesday's series opener, but he still must prove he's able to handle the workload required to play the field.

"If something clicks and everybody is good on the medical side and Matt is good with how he feels and has no reservations, it could progress really quickly to where he's in every day," Matheny said. "But I imagine it will be a little bit where he'll [just] be a valuable right-handed bat off the bench." 

In 63 games entering play Tuesday, Holliday hit .290 with four homers and 31 RBIs and was voted a starter to the National League All-Star team for the first time in his career, although he missed the game due to injury.

He also spent time on the DL earlier this season, from June 9 to July 16, with a right quad strain before aggravating the injury 11 days later.