WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. -- Permitted to add a 26th man to the roster for Sunday's Little League Classic because of the unique mid-series travel involved, the Cardinals summoned outfielder Stephen Piscotty back from Triple-A Memphis.
But Piscotty's callup won't be a one-day stay. The Cards kept the 26-year-old on the roster, and in a corresponding move, they optioned first baseman Luke Voit to Triple-A Memphis on Monday.
Piscotty reached base three times on Sunday in his return from 13-day demotion, during which he tried to clear his mind and address flaws within his swing. In eight games, Piscotty went 10-for-32 with three doubles, four homers and seven RBIs. He drew six walks and struck out seven times.
"I've had such a weird schedule as far as being on the DL a couple times, going home, I haven't been able to get in that routine of playing every day," Piscotty said. "It was nice just to kind of be there, know when I'm playing and be a baseball player. I haven't played that well in a while, so it felt real good. Things, I think, are starting to click. I'll try to keep doing what I was doing there -- showing signs of life."
The Cardinals are hoping for sustained momentum, too. Piscotty is not assured of reclaiming a starting role, as the Cardinals have four other outfielders who have performed well in his absence. He did draw the assignment in right field on Sunday, and contributed a diving catch and single.
"Clearly, he's having success down there," said president of baseball operations John Mozeliak. "I think he's just been playing with good energy and went down there with the intention of getting work in."
The organization's decision to send down Piscotty, who had signed a six-year, $33.5 million contract four months earlier, came after his cold return from a hamstring injury. In his first six games off the disabled list, Piscotty went 3-for-17 with one extra-base hit.
Candid in his own self-evaluation, Piscotty said he understood the reason for the move. It was up to him to make the most of it.
"It's all about winning, and I get it," Piscotty said. "My thought process going into it was try to get better and catch fire and contribute any way I can. Obviously, you don't want to get sent down, but I think when it happens, there is no controlling it. You have to change your take on what you want to get out of the experience. I think I was really able to do that. My confidence level has shot way back up. It was a shot in the arm, and I needed it."