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Cardinals activate Randal Grichuk from 15-day disabled list

ST. LOUIS -- The St. Louis Cardinals have activated outfielder Randal Grichuk from the 15-day disabled list on Saturday.

Manager Mike Matheny hinted lefty Jaime Garcia may be close to joining the team, too. Garcia, who has yet to play after aggravating a shoulder injury in spring training, threw a six-inning rehab start Friday for Double-A Springfield.

"He had a smile on his face and excitement in his eye," Matheny said. "He wants to pitch. Everything was there, so now we'll see."

Grichuk was batting leadoff against the Detroit Tigers.

Xavier Scruggs was optioned to Triple-A Memphis before Saturday's game.

Grichuk was on the opening day roster and had been on the DL since April 17 with a lower back strain. He was 2 for 10 with a homer and two RBIs in six games.

He was 6 for 10 in three games at extended spring training and homered on Friday.

"I felt good down there," Grichuk said. "Obviously, the pitching is nowhere near up here. Hopefully I'm going to take that confidence into the game."

Scruggs flied out as a pinch hitter Friday in his only at-bat with St. Louis.