ST. LOUIS, MO, April 29, 2019 – The St. Louis Cardinals announced prior to tonight’s series opener in Washington, that they have activated right-handed pitcher Michael Wacha (left knee patellar tendinitis ) from the 10-day Injured List and optioned right-handed rookie pitcher Ryan Helsley to Memphis (AAA). Wacha is scheduled to start tonight’s game against the Nationals.

Wacha is 1-0 with a 4.64 ERA in his first four starts this season, including a 6-3 win over the Brewers in his most recent start (April 17). He was placed on the I.L. on April 19 and was leading the Cardinals pitching staff with his 24 strikeouts in 21.1 innings pitched at that time.

Helsley, who made his Major League debut on April 16, made three relief appearances for the Cardinals (all of 2.0 innings or more) and posted a 2.84 ERA while fanning seven in 6.1 innings with no walks. Helsley was 0-0 with a 3.86 ERA in two starts for Memphis prior to his recall to the majors.