The St. Louis Cardinals announced today that pitchers Jaime Garcia (left shoulder inflammation) and Michael Wacha (right shoulder stress reaction) have both been placed on the 15-day disabled list. Garcia’s move is retroactive to June 21, and Wacha’s is back-dated to June 18.
In addition, the Cardinals today recalled right-handed pitcher Eric Fornataro and infielder Pete Kozma from Memphis (AAA). Both players are expected to join the Cardinals in Denver tonight for their series opener against the Colorado Rockies.
Fornataro, 26, was 1-2, with a 3.27 ERA and 4 saves in his 19 games (22.0 IP) for Memphis. He has enjoyed a solid June, posting a 0.87 ERA and 3 saves in his eight games this month. The 6-1, 225-pound rookie right-hander debuted for the Cardinals earlier this season, appearing in seven games (7.2 IP).
Kozma, 26, began the season on the Cardinals Opening Day roster, but appeared in just four games (1-for-3; .333 BA) before being optioned to Memphis on April 14.
At Memphis, Kozma has compiled a .234 batting mark (44-for-188) in his 59 games played with 4 home runs and 24 RBI. Kozma has shown consistent success against left-handers, batting .295 (13-for-44) with a .941 OPS and he continues to excel with runners in scoring position, batting .306 (15-for-49) with 21 of his 24 RBI coming in those situations. Kozma hit .322 (37-for-115) with runners in scoring position last season while serving as the Cardinals everyday shortstop.
Fornataro wears uniform no. 67 and Kozma wears no. 38.
