The St. Louis Cardinals announced today that they have activated switch-hitting catcher Brayan Pena from the 60-day disabled list (left knee inflammation) and purchased rookie catcher Carson Kellyfrom Memphis (AAA). The team also designated Memphis infielder Dean Anna for assignment to make room for Kelly on the team’s 40- man Major League roster and transferred right-handed pitcher Seth Maness (right elbow) from the 15-day disabled list to the 60-day disabled list.
Pena, 34, has missed much of the season due to a left knee injury, appearing in just four games with St. Louis (1-for-8). He batted a combined .286 (8-for-28) with a HR and 8 RBI in nine combined games with Palm Beach (A) and the Gulf Coast League Cardinals during a recent injury rehabilitation assignment.
Kelly, 22, the Cardinals 2nd round draft selection (86th player overall) in 2012 out of Westview (Oregon) High School, will be making his Major League debut.
The right-handed hitting Kelly, who was named a 2016 Texas League All-Star, batted a combined .289 (95-for-329) with six home runs, 32 RBI and a .343 on-base pct. in 96 games between Springfield (AA) and Memphis (AAA) this season. The 6-2, 218-pound former infielder batted .292 in 32 games for Memphis and .287 in 64 games with Springfield. He had a .370 (10-for-27) batting mark and 14 RBI when batting with runners in scoring position while at Memphis.
Kelly, the recipient of the Rawlings Gold Glove Award in 2015 as the best defensive catcher in Minor League Baseball, has been assigned uniform no. 71. Pena wears uniform no. 33.
