Barton back in the big leagues

CINCINNATI -- Three weeks in Triple-A is not typically something a young player considers a blessing. For Brian Barton, however, it practically was a godsend.

Before Barton sustained a wrist injury in July, his playing time with the Cardinals had dwindled to almost nil. From May 9 until he was placed on the disabled list on July 6, Barton got 70 at-bats in the span of 53 games.

So when it came time for his Minor League rehabilitation assignment, the Cardinals made sure Barton took every single day of it. That, of course, also helped ease the roster crunch that comes with trying to carry a Rule 5 Draftee, which is not an insignificant element.

But Barton got 73 at-bats in 20 days, more than he'd received in his last eight weeks with the big club. And he hit well. Though his numbers tailed off at the end, he still batted .260 with a .349 on-base percentage and a .466 slugging percentage at Triple-A Memphis.

"The last couple games got me, but it felt good to get some at-bats and get a groove back," Barton said. "Hopefully I can carry it to the rest of the season."

The Cards' outfield situation looks different for Barton than before he left, as Joe Mather has emerged as an additional right-handed option. But Barton still figures in the plans, and he'll try to help the Redbirds' playoff push over the final 35 games.

(mlb.com)