Jon Jay impresses Cards in second tour

HOUSTON -- One of the few bright spots for the Cardinals in their series against the Rockies was the play of outfielder Jon Jay, whom the Cardinals recalled from Triple-A Memphis on July 3. Jay was 6-for-10 on the series, including two doubles in Wednesday's loss.

"We sent him down just to get playing time," manager Tony La Russa said. "He's come back and continued right where he was. He's played very well."

Jay also played with the Cardinals from April 26 to June 4. The Cardinals replaced Jay with outfielder Randy Winn, whom they signed after the Yankees released him.

Yet Jay bided his time with Memphis and continued to put up productive numbers. Once Ryan Ludwick went down with a left calf strain, Jay was back up with the club.

"It's great to be back with the team, because that's the goal all along," Jay said. "I'm just trying to get to the field every day and help out the team. If it's starting or off the bench, I'm taking it every day trying to learn from my teammates."

Jay entered Friday on an eight-game hitting streak, hitting 12-for-25 over that streak. He is 7-for-17 as a pinch hitter. He is also tied for first in the National League for rookies with three outfield assists.

He said he's much more comfortable with the Cardinals this time around.

"It was a bigger learning adjustment trying to figure out a routine," Jay said of his first time with the Cardinals. "I think now my second time around I have better knowledge of what's going to happen."



(mlb.com)