CHICAGO, Sept. 1 (UPI) -- The St. Louis Cardinals reinforced their roster for the playoff push Monday, activating catcher Joe Girardi and outfielders J.D. Drew and Eli Marrero.
All were on the 15-day disabled list.
A former top prospect who has not yet lived up to expectations, Drew returns after being sidelined since Aug. 16 with a strained right oblique muscle. The 27-year-old, who was selected fifth overall in the 1998 draft, is hitting .281 with 12 home runs and 30 RBI in 79 games.
Expected to share time with Drew in right field this season, Marrero suffered a right ankle injury in early May and underwent surgery to repair ruptured ligaments. He was placed on the DL on May 13 after hitting .227 with two homers and 15 RBI in 24 games.
Signed as a free agent last winter, Girardi went just 1-for-17 in seven games before being placed on the DL on June 30 with a strained lower back. The 39-year-old veteran also missed the first 61 games of the season with a herniated disk in his neck.
Entering Monday, the Cardinals held a one-game lead over Houston in the National League Central Division.
