Cards activate Craig; designate Komatsu

ST. LOUIS -- Following a seven-game rehabilitation assignment, Allen Craig has been activated from the disabled list and will be in St. Louis for the opening of the Cardinals' series against the Pirates on Tuesday.

In order to make room for Craig on the 25-man roster, the club has designated Rule 5 outfielder Erik Komatsu for assignment.

Craig wrapped up his rehab stint with a three-hit, two-homer, five-RBI performance as Triple-A Memphis' first baseman on Monday. In his seven Minor League games -- three at Class A and four in Triple-A -- Craig went 10-for-28. He played first base in each of his final two appearances.

With Lance Berkman on the disabled list, Craig is expected to get regular starts at first base for the Cardinals.

Komatsu earned a spot on the club's Opening Day roster after impressing the staff during his first big league Spring Training. He recorded his first Major League hit in his first at-bat, but had only three in 20 at-bats since. With Craig able to play the outfield, the Cardinals did not need to keep Komatsu as another backup.

As a Rule 5 pick, Komatsu is now placed on waivers and can be selected by any other club. If he clears waivers, Komatsu will then be offered back to the Nationals for half of the $50,000 purchase price the Cardinals paid to select him from Washington in the December Rule 5 Draft.