Lars Nootbaar

Nootbaar hit his sixth homer of the season in the second inning off Michael Wacha to give the Cardinals an early 1-0 lead. It was his first home run since being activated off the 10-day IL on July 8, as Nootbaar dealt with an oblique injury that he suffered in late May, which saw him miss more than a month of action. Nootbaar didn't hit well during his 13-game rehab assignment, going 3-for-17 in Triple-A before making his return. This solid night at the plate should serve as a nice confidence booster, but we'll want to see the hits strung together on a more consistent basis before considering him a viable option in fantasy.

Wacha gave up a solo blast to Lars Nootbaar in the second inning and scattered two more earned runs across the fourth and fifth innings before eventually being pulled after 84 pitches. Wacha has allowed six earned runs over his last 22 1/3 innings pitched, lowering his ERA from 4.07 to 3.83 over that span. The veteran righty continues to be a solid option for fantasy managers in roto leagues.

McArthur also allowed a single before getting Lars Nootbaar on a flyout to end it. He really struggled in May and he took one bad loss last month, but the run he allowed today was his first surrendered in nine appearances.

Marmol listed the complete outfield alignment as Brendan Donovan in left field, Siani in center, and Lars Nootbaar in right field. He also said he considers Alec Burleson to be "an everyday player and wants him in the lineup as much as possible," likely as a DH or as a corner outfielder. Burleson is starting on Monday as the designated hitter. However, Tommy Edman is also beginning his rehab assignment on Tuesday, so his return would seemingly muddy the waters since one of these four players would likely have to sit if Edman were to return to the lineup.

The Cardinals activated outfielder Lars Nootbaar from the 10-day injured list Monday.