Cards recall Thompson, demote Stavinoha

ST. LOUIS -- The St. Louis Cardinals recalled right-hander Brad Thompson from Class AAA Memphis on Monday, adding another arm to a beleaguered bullpen.

Cardinals relievers were 10-18 with a 4.25 ERA and 18 blown saves in 43 chances entering a three-game series against the Mets on Monday night. They'll carry 13 pitchers and 12 position players for the foreseeable future.

Outfielder Nick Stavinoha, who batted .250 (4-for-16) in five games with two RBIs, was optioned to Memphis.

Thompson was 1-2 with a 4.37 ERA in seven games, three of them starts. He was optioned to Memphis on June 20, the day after he allowed two runs in five innings and took the loss against the Royals.

-- AP