Cardinals activate Maness from DL, option Kiekhefer to Triple-A

The St. Louis Cardinals will get some much-needed depth back in their bullpen before Sunday's series finale with the Texas Rangers.

The team announced on Sunday morning that they have activated right-handed pitcher Seth Maness from the 15-day disabled list and optioned left-handed pitcher Dean Kiekhefer to Triple-A Memphis.

The 27-year-old Maness went on the disabled list with right elbow inflammation on May 13 after going 0-1 with a 6.39 ERA in 12 2/3 innings to begin the season. He combined to go 0-0 with a 1.80 ERA in five innings between Memphis and Double-A Springfield during his injury rehabilitation assignment. He pitched a scoreless inning last Thursday at Nashville in his most recent appearance.

Kiekhefer, a rookie, was 0-0 with a 5.73 ERA in 11 innings with St. Louis.