ST. LOUIS -- The Phillies activated left-handed reliever Adam Morgan (back strain) prior to Thursday's series opener against the Cardinals.
Morgan, the lone lefty in the bullpen, last appeared on May 6 against Washington. He entered Thursday's 6-2 win in the eighth inning with runners on first and second and got Harrison Bader to fly out.
"It feels really good to have him back," Phillies manager Gabe Kapler said. "He's a weapon. He's a weapon against both left and right, but it's really nice to have a weapon against a tough lefty."
Right-hander Mark Leiter was optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Wednesday, making room for Morgan on the roster.
Injury updates
• Right-hander Victor Arano threw 21 pitches Wednesday at Lehigh Valley and didn't allow a run. Kapler said he is on his way to St. Louis, but activation has yet to be determined.
"We'll see when he gets here and make sure we evaluate him appropriately," Kapler said. "Make sure he's strong and go from there."
• Shortstop J.P. Crawford (right forearm strain) is throwing and taking batting practice. He hopes to go out on a rehab soon.
"It's getting stronger every day, and we'll see how it goes," Crawford said.