Cardinals make flurry of roster moves before Thursday’s doubleheader

ST. LOUIS — The Cardinals made a host of transactions, primarily involving their bullpen, ahead of Thursday’s twin bill with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The team activated right-handed reliever Junior Fernandez and utility infielder Edmundo Sosa from the COVID-19 injured list, with Fernandez rejoining the major league roster and Sosa being optioned to the Cardinals’ alternate training site in Springfield, Missouri. Left-handed pitcher Andrew Miller was placed on the 10-day injured list with left shoulder fatigue retroactive to August 24, clearing a spot for Fernandez, and righty reliever Seth Elledge was recalled to serve as the 29th man for the doubleheader.

Fernandez, 23, made the Opening Day roster and appeared in one game before testing positive for COVID-19. He tossed a scoreless inning with one strikeout against Pittsburgh on July 26.

Sosa, 24, was also on the Opening Day roster but did not appear in a game before contracting the coronavirus. With the roster limit dropping from 30 to 28 players and rookie Max Schrock establishing himself while Sosa was out, the Cardinals couldn’t find a spot for the third-year infielder, but he’ll stay ready if needed in Springfield.

The 35-year-old Miller has pitched in seven games (5 2/3 innings) this season, posting a 4.76 ERA and a team-leading two saves in two opportunities.

Elledge, 24, made his major league debut earlier this month and is 1-0 with a 4.50 ERA in three appearances this season, pitching four innings while striking out eight to rank third among Cardinals relief pitchers in strikeouts.