Cardinals LHP Steven Matz (back) returns after 4 months

Field Level Media|published: 09/01/2024, 1:37pm EDT

Apr 23, 2024; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Steven Matz (32) pitches against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the first inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

The St. Louis Cardinals activated left-hander Steven Matz from the 60-day injured list on Sunday after the veteran starter missed four months with multiple back issues.

Matz went on the injured list with a back injury at the end of April and aggravated the issue during his rehab in June.

Matz, 33, was 1-2 with a 6.18 ERA in six starts with the Cardinals this season, his third campaign of a four-year, $44 million contract with St. Louis. In 10 career seasons with the New York Mets, Toronto Blue Jays and Cardinals, Matz is 55-60 with a 4.31 ERA in 187 appearances (169 starts).

The Cardinals also activated rookie outfielder Michael Siani (oblique) off the 10-day injured list.

Siani, 25, was batting .256 with two home runs and 18 RBIs in 101 games this season.

No corresponding moves were necessary with major league rosters expanding by two players for the final month of the regular season.

--Field Level Media