Notes

CARDINALS

Butler called up

PITTSBURGH — The St. Louis Cardinals selected the contract of outfielder Joey Butler from Class AAA Memphis before their series opener Friday night against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Butler, 28, was fifth in the Pacific Coast League with a .360 batting average and his .481 on-base percentage ranked second. He had 4 home runs and 20 RBI in 31 games. Butler made his major-league debut with the Texas Rangers last season, going 4 for 12 in 8 games. The Cardinals claimed Butler off waivers last October. Outfielder Randal Grichuk was optioned to Memphis on Friday. The former Arkansas Traveler hit .143 with 1 RBI in 9 games for the Cardinals after being recalled on April 28.

ANGELS

Navarro in, Santiago out

TORONTO — The Los Angeles Angels have recalled infielder Efren Navarro from Class AAA Salt Lake City and moved struggling left-hander Hector Santiago to the bullpen. Acquired from the Chicago White Sox in the offseason, Santiago is 0-6 with a 5.19 ERA in 7 starts. He was pulled after allowing six runs in 2 1/3 innings in a loss to the Yankees on Wednesday, and apologized to Mike Scioscia for walking off the mound before the manager arrived and not breaking stride on his way to the dugout. No replacement starter has been announced for Tuesday when Santiago’s turn comes up next. Primarily a first baseman, Navarro has not played the outfield in two previous major-league stints, but has made 11 outfield appearances at Class AAA this season. Navarro replaces left-hander Nick Maronde, who was optioned to Class AAA Wednesday.

BRAVES

Wood moves to bullpen

ATLANTA — Alex Wood is being moved to the bullpen by the Braves, at least for a week. Wood had been scheduled to start Sunday against the Chicago Cubs but instead will become Atlanta’s second left-handed reliever in addition to Luis Avilan. Aaron Harang will make Sunday’s start. Wood will be back in the rotation May 17 against St. Louis. Braves Manager Fredi Gonzalez said he’ll take another look at his rotation in a week. Mike Minor and Gavin Floyd have returned from the disabled list to assume starting spots. That left the Braves with a surplus of starters, even after rookie David Hale was sent to the bullpen.

TWINS

Hicks off disabled list

DETROIT — The Minnesota Twins have reinstated outfielder Aaron Hicks from the seven-day disabled list. Hicks ended up with a concussion when he crashed into the center-field wall against the Los Angeles Dodgers on May 1. The Twins also announced Friday that they have selected the contract of utilityman Chris Parmelee from Class AAA Rochester. To make room for Parmelee on the 40-man roster, the Twins have designated Class AA outfielder Kenny Wilson for assignment.

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