Worth noting

• After designating catcher George Kottaras for assignment over the weekend, the Cardinals granted him his outright release on Tuesday. Kottaras became expendable to the Cardinals after the team signed veteran backstop A.J. Pierzynski.

• Pierzynski made his third straight start since signing with the Cardinals on Saturday. He entered Tuesday with four hits in his first eight at-bats with his new club. Right fielder Allen Craig was back in the lineup for the first time since Friday.

• The Cardinals announced plans to host a Fantasy Mini-Camp from Jan. 29-31, 2015, at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter, Fla., after selling out the weeklong camp that will take place earlier that month. There are 44 spots available for campers, and the Cardinals have 14 former players scheduled to participate. For more information and/or to register, visit cardinals.com/fantasycamp.

• The Arizona Fall League announced on Tuesday that Class A Peoria pitching coach Jason Simontacchi will serve as the pitching coach this fall for the Peoria Javelinas, which will feature prospects from five teams, including the Cardinals. Jeremy Clipperton, the athletic trainer for Triple-A Memphis, will also be on the Peoria staff. Rosters for the AFL will be announced in about a month.