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Cardinals place Joe Kelly on 15-day D.L.

Rookie relievers Fornataro & Rondon summoned from Memphis (AAA)

ST. LOUIS, Mo., April 17, 2014 - The St. Louis Cardinals announced today that they have placed right-handed pitcher Joe Kelly (left hamstring strain) on the 15-day disabled list and optioned right-handed reliever Keith Butler to Memphis (AAA). The team also announced plans to recall rookie right-handers Eric Fornataro and Jorge (pronounced Hor-hey) Rondon from Memphis for tonight's series opener in Washington D.C.

Fornataro, 26, appeared in four games for Memphis this season, going 1-0 with the team's lone save. He had yet to allow a run and had been touched for just one hit in 5.0 innings of work. The 6-1, 225-pound Fornataro was the Cardinals 6th round selection (185th player overall) in the 2006 draft out of Miami Dade Community College. He's made 180 career minor league appearances (71 starts) and will be making his Major League debut with his first appearance.

Rondon, 26, was an international (Calabozo, Venezuela) free-agent signing by the Cardinals in July of 2006 and is a product (2006-07) of the Cardinals former Venezuelan Summer League team. The 6-1, 215-pound Rondon led the Memphis squad with 51 relief appearances in 2013. He appeared in five games for Memphis this season, allowing three runs in 5.0 innings pitched. Like Fornataro, he too will be making his Major League debut with his first appearance.

Kelly injured his leg while running to first base following a bunt attempt during yesterday's game at Milwaukee. He is 1-1 with a team-best 0.59 ERA in his three games started. Butler had appeared in two games totaling 2.0 innings pitched.

Fornataro will wear uniform #67 and Rondon will wear #68.

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