Cards put reliever Rosenthal on DL with inflamed shoulder

NEW YORK -- The St. Louis Cardinals put reliever Trevor Rosenthal on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday because of inflammation in his right shoulder.

Manager Mike Matheny said Rosenthal recently mentioned he wanted to get checked for a possible problem. The former closer is undergoing tests that might show why he suddenly became so ineffective.

"Hopefully, it can be a step in the right direction," Matheny said.

Rosenthal lost his closer's job in late June. The 26-year-old righty is 2-4 with a 5.13 ERA and 14 saves in 18 chances, and Matheny had said Rosenthal wouldn't be used in key spots for a while.

"It was more trying to find spots where we could get him in there and get things right," Matheny said.

Rosenthal led the majors with a combined 93 saves the last two seasons. He had a 2.11 ERA in April and May this year, but then gave up 15 earned runs in 16 1/3 innings in June and July.

Matheny said the team had talked about stretching out Rosenthal as a starter. Matheny said he hadn't talked to the pitcher for a couple days.

The Cardinals made the move before playing a doubleheader against the New York Mets. They promoted lefty Dean Kiekhefer from Triple-A Memphis for his third stint with St. Louis this year.

Kiekhefer made his major league debut on May 14. He is 0-0 with a 5.73 ERA in 11 games.