Cardinals activate Springer from DL

MILWAUKEE -- Cardinals right-hander Russ Springer was activated from the disabled list Monday before St. Louis' game with the Milwaukee Brewers.

Springer was sidelined with nerve irritation in his elbow after he allowed hits to all three batters he faced on April 4. The 39-year-old reliever has made three appearances this season and has a 13.50 ERA.

To make room for Springer, the Cardinals optioned infielder Rico Washington to Class AAA Memphis.

Washington was a surprise addition to St. Louis' opening day roster after spending 11 years toiling as a minor leaguer. By the time he played a game with the Cardinals, he had been in 1,134 games and had 3,980 at-bats in the minor league systems of Pittsburgh, San Diego, Tampa Bay and St. Louis.

But he struggled in limited at-bats this season, going 3-for-19.

-- AP