Cardinals 2012 Roster: OF Erik Komatsu Claimed On Waivers By Twins

The Minnesota Twins have reportedly claimed OF Erik Komatsu from the St. Louis Cardinals, the official Cardinals Twitter account reports:

It's official: Outfielder Erik Komatsu has been claimed on waivers by the @Twins.

— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) May 4, 2012

Komatsu initially came to the Cubs in the 2011 Rule 5 Draft, but after OF Allen Craig healed from his recent injury, the Cardinal elected to DFA Komatsu. The 24-year-old has displayed impressive patience in the minors, sporting a minor league on-base percentage of .398 over the course of 4 minor league seasons, and average nearly 20 steals per 500 plate appearances.

The official Twins Twitter account has indicated that Minnesota will place Komatsu on the team's 25-man roster.

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Allen Craig Injury: Cardinals DFA Erik Komatsu, Add Allen Craig To Roster

The St. Louis Cardinals have finally activated OF Allen Craig, who has been injured since the beginning of the season. Craig takes the place of OF Erik Komatsu, who has been designated for assignment:

#STLCards have designated Erik Komatsu for assignment in order to open a roster spot for Allen Craig, who is coming off DL.

— Jenifer Langosch (@LangoschMLB) May 1, 2012

The Cardinals will have 10 days to trade or release Komatsu, or they can try to pass him through waivers for a minor league assignment. Komatsu played in 15 games for the Cardinals, hitting .211/.286/.211 in just 21 plate appearances.

Craig is recovering from off-season surgery is will likely resume his role as a fourth outfielder for the Cards.

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Allen Craig Injury: St. Louis Cardinals Slugger Could Return Vs. Pirates

Allen Craig injury watch could soon be a thing of the past: currently in the midst of a rehab stint with the AAA Memphis Redbirds, Craig is, according to a report from Jenifer Langosch, nearly ready to return to the St. Louis Cardinals' 25-man roster, and could be activated before their mid-week series against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Craig had four hits in 11 at-bats with a home run in high-A Palm Beach, and he's gone 3-13 since joining Memphis, where he made his defensive debut as a first baseman on Sunday. Of course, the more important numbers came before his knee injury; in 2011, his breakout season, he hit .315/.362/.555 in 75 games while playing at every outfield position, first and third base, and even some time at the keystone.

The latest on Legopiece Theater: Dugout Abbey—Albert Pujols has trouble sleeping. And naming members of the Angels.

Shane Robinson and Erik Komatsu are on the 25-man roster bubble, while Matt Carpenter's playing time is likely to dry up as Craig takes his place as Lance Berkman's caddy at first base. When Berkman returns Craig will have to find his playing time between off-days for him, Carlos Beltran, and Matt Holliday unless Mike Matheny gives him another shot at third base.

Allen Craig Injury: Cardinals Slugger Will Not Be Ready For Opening Day

The St. Louis Cardinals originally thought that utility man Allen Craig, who is recovering from off season knee surgery, would be ready to be with the team on Opening Day, but on Wednesday morning skipper Mike Matheny said the timeline for Craig's return has been extended.