MILWAUKEE -- The St. Louis Cardinals got a key starter back Thursday but lost their regular first baseman.
Pitcher Michael Wacha was activated from the disabled list and started the opening game of a four-game series against the NL Central rival Milwaukee Brewers.
The 23-year-old Wacha had been on the disabled list since June 18 with a right shoulder stress reaction. He is 5-5 with a 2.79 ERA in 15 starts.
Manager Mike Matheny said first baseman Matt Adams is day to day with a tweaked left rib cage muscle. He was replaced in the starting lineup Thursday by Xavier Scruggs, who was called up from Triple-A Memphis.
Scruggs batted seventh in the order. He was hitting .286 with 21 home runs and 87 RBIs in the minors.
The Cardinals also moved outfielder Shane Robinson from the 15-day to the 60-day disabled list.
St. Louis has won five straight to take a three-game lead over Milwaukee, which entered Thursday on an eight-game losing streak.