Peterson sent back to Triple-A as Holliday returns

ATLANTA -- Brock Peterson spent Saturday morning not preparing for an afternoon game at Turner Field, but packing his bags in the clubhouse so that he could soon return to the Minors. The career Minor Leaguer only hopes that he made enough of an impression during his nine-day stay to warrant a trip back to the Majors in September -- or sooner, if a need arises.

"I'm hoping this opens doors," said Peterson, who was optioned to Triple-A Memphis as the Cardinals activated Matt Holliday from the disabled list. "If something happens again where they need to make a move, I'm hoping I'm the guy at the top of the list. Hopefully, in September if it gets that far, that I'm one of the guys that they think they can use.

"I waited a long time just to get to take the field in a big league game. The wait was worth it."

After spending 11 years in the Minors/Independent league, Peterson collected an RBI in his first Major League at-bat last week. He finished 1-for-7 in his short stint. He was summoned to St. Louis after hitting .306 with a Pacific Coast League-best 22 home runs and 66 RBIs in 93 Triple-A games.

"His at-bats -- every one of them was a tough at-bat," manager Mike Matheny said. "His story is a little bit out of the ordinary. I think it's a great encouragement to so many guys out there who are just trudging along and thinking they may never get their shot. It's a great story. And I think the way that he's hitting, the way that he's producing, he's opened some eyes to what may be a bright future."

Though Peterson played exclusively at first base with Memphis before his callup, the 29-year-old will likely see some time in the outfield moving forward. The Cardinals played him in left field once, and before Peterson left the ballpark, Matheny urged him to find time during Memphis' batting practices to track balls off the bat in left field.

Peterson said he would also like to make some starts at the position to regain some of his comfort there.

"I'm confident I can do it, but it's always nice to have a few practice games under your belt before you're thrown in the fire," Peterson said. "I'll do whatever they want me to do."