With slugger Alec Burleson set to return from the injured list, the Cardinals will have to shuffle their roster.
According to the Athletic's Katie Woo, the Cardinals are likely to designate veteran outfielder Garrett Hampson for assignment to make room for Burleson.
In 35 games for the Cardinals this season, Hampson has struggled at the plate. In 29 at-bats he's recorded three hits and one RBI while batting .103. Amid the Cardinals' youth movement, this level of production offers little incentive to keep the veteran over younger prospects.
The Cardinals claimed Hampson off waivers from the Cincinnati Reds in June, marking his third team this season after the Arizona Diamondbacks released him in May.
Hampson’s defense helped him stay in the lineup for a stretch, especially while Victor Scott II and Lars Nootbaar were sidelined, but with both back healthy and rookie Nathan Church promoted, his role has become expendable.
Woo also reported that the Cardinals are likely to option rookie Andre Granillo to Triple-A Memphis after he allowed at least one run in three of his past four outings. Left-hander Nick Raquet is expected to take his place once his contract is selected to the majors.
Although the Cardinals are a long shot to earn the final wild-card spot in the National League, they remain in the hunt, trailing by 4 1/2 games. Having combined for 36 home runs this season, the returns of Alec Burleson and Willson Contreras should boost their pursuit. Burleson is likely to be activated today, while Contreras has one game remaining on his suspension.