The St. Louis Cardinals announced a series of transactions prior to today’s game in Philadelphia, as RHP Jordan Hicks was activated from the 15-day Injured List, LHP Matthew Liberatore was recalled from Memphis (AAA), RHP Jake Woodford was optioned to Memphis and RHP Nick Wittgren was designated for assignment.
Hicks, 25, was on the Injured List since May 25 with a right forearm flexor, causing the hard-throwing pitcher to miss 36 games. He made two rehab appearances in Memphis on June 28-29 pitching two innings in relief. Hicks began the season as a starting pitcher in St. Louis and was 1-4 with a 5.02 over seven starts and two relief appearances.
Liberatore, 22, will be tonight’s starting pitcher and enters with four Major League starts compiling a 2-1 record with a 4.00 ERA. The left-hander, who is recognized as the No. 2 prospect in the Cardinals organization, last pitched for St. Louis on June 14 in a doubleheader against Pittsburgh.
Woodford, 25, has been utilized out of the Cardinals bullpen this season 11 times and is 1-0 with a 3.05 ERA. He will remain on the road in Philadelphia as part of the team’s Taxi Squad.
Wittgren, 31, was 1-0 with a 5.90 ERA in a team-leading 29 appearances this season for the Cardinals.
