Cardinals' Peralta returns to DL with thumb strain

A rough 2016 season for Jhonny Peralta got worse on Tuesday, as the St. Louis Cardinals announced the former All-Star shortstop has been placed on the 15-day disabled list with a strained ligament in his left thumb.

The move is retroactive to July 18.

Peralta originally injured his left thumb during spring training, and was forced to miss the first 57 games of 2016 after undergoing surgery to repair a ligament in the digit. His injury opened the door for rookie Aledmys Diaz to become the team's everyday shortstop.

The 34-year-old has played in just 30 games this season, all of them as a third baseman. He owns a .221/.258/.416 line with five home runs, six walks, and 24 strikeouts.

In a corresponding move, the Cardinals recalled outfielder Jeremy Hazelbaker from Triple-A Memphis, as well as right-hander Miguel Socolovich. Catcher Michael McKenry was designated for assignment.