Barton ready to return from DL

MIAMI -- Cardinals outfielder Brian Barton appears to be fully recovered from the fractured right wrist he suffered on July 6. But in order to return to the 25-man roster, the club may be forced to make a tough decision in order to create a spot.

The reason for the quandary is that Barton is a Rule 5 player whom the Cards acquired from Cleveland. Rule 5 Draft picks must stay on the 25-man roster all season (other than the disabled list or a Minor League rehab assignment) or be returned to their former team.

"Something is imminent," Cardinals manager Tony La Russa said before Wednesday night's game against the Marlins, but added that he needed to discuss Barton with general manager John Mozeliak before any decision could be made.

The Cardinals presently have a full house in the outfield with Ryan Ludwick, Rick Ankiel, Skip Schumaker and Joe Mather, and recent addition Felipe Lopez has shown he can play there as well.

"That's something I can't worry about," said Barton, alumnus of nearby University of Miami. "I have to do a job. That's either cheerleading right now or out on the field playing."

Meanwhile, Barton has been doing a lot of walking in and out of the Cardinals' clubhouse, watching television on one of the four sets in the room and working out. He wanted to take batting practice on the field on Tuesday night, before a heavy rain prevented him from doing so.

"All I can do is stay ready," he said.

Before he was placed on the DL with the fracture, Barton hit .246 in 63 games this season. He had two homers and 11 RBIs in 122 at-bats, with three steals. He hit .260 with three home runs in 19 games for the Triple-A Memphis Redbirds.

When the Cardinals plucked Barton from Cleveland, he was coming off knee surgery which had put him "in limbo" with some teams, he said. Not the Cardinals. And now he is healthy again.

He is not lacking for confidence, whatever happens soon.

"I feel like I've worked hard to get here and it's well-deserved," he said. "But I also feel I need not stop here. I want to do more."

(mlb.com)