MILWAUKEE -- The St. Louis Cardinals have claimed veteran George Kottaras off waivers from the Cleveland Indians, bolstering their catching position following the injury to Yadier Molina.
The team says Kottaras likely will be added to the 25-man roster Saturday in Milwaukee. St. Louis begins a three-game series Friday against the Brewers. Kottaras was batting .286 with three homers and four RBIs in 10 games for Cleveland.
The Cardinals also activated starter Joe Kelly following a stint on the 60-day disabled list because of an injured left hamstring. He is to start Friday in Milwaukee, where he was hurt April 16.
Left-hander Tyler Lyons was optioned to Triple-A to make room for Kelly. Left-hander Jaime Garcia, who has a shoulder injury, was moved from the 15-day to the 60-day disabled list.