Wainwright returns for Cardinals, Isringhausen to DL

Aug 23, 2008 - 12:35 AM ST. LOUIS (Ticker) -- St. Louis Cardinals righthander Adam Wainwright was activated from the 15-day disabled list to start against the Atlanta Braves on Friday.

Wainwright, who had been on the DL since June 7, ruptured a tendon in the middle finger of his right hand during a start against the Houston Astros and missed over two months.

He is 6-3 with a 3.14 ERA in 13 starts this season.

The Cardinals had considered placing Wainwright into the bullpen to bolster a struggling group that has 25 losses - second-most in the National League. However, with the recent shoulder injury to Chris Carpenter and the absence of Mark Mulder, who also is on the DL with a shoulder injury, manager Tony La Russa decided to insert Wainwright into the rotation.

In a corresponding move, the Cardinals placed righthander Jason Isringhausen on the 15-day DL, retroactive to Sunday. The former closer tore a tendon in his right elbow and will miss the remainder of the season.

In 42 appearances, Isringhausen struggled to a 1-5 record with a 5.70 ERA and 12 saves in 19 opportunities.