ST. LOUIS -- John Gant started in Adam Wainwright's place Monday, and he appeared to be a likely candidate to be optioned back to Triple-A Memphis afterward. But the Cardinals instead opted to send down left-hander Ryan Sherriff and keep Gant around as insurance for later in the week. John Brebbia was recalled in a corresponding move.
Gant could conceivably start for Wainwright, who could return from the disabled list to start Sunday, again if the veteran's status changes. He could also provide help in the bullpen as early as Friday. The club's recent flurry of transactions left it in a bit of a roster bind, with a bevy of its optionable players -- Austin Gomber, Luke Voit, Mike Mayers among them -- ineligible to return yet.
Brebbia has appeared in three games for the Cardinals this season, working five scoreless innings while striking out seven. He had a three-inning save in the Cardinals' April 25 win against the Mets.
In four games for Memphis this season, Brebbia has fanned 13 in 6 2/3 innings pitched and earned two saves.
Sherriff worked three innings in two relief appearances during the current homestand. He's made a total of five appearances (5 2/3 innings) for the Cardinals this season.