ST. LOUIS (AP) The St. Louis Cardinals have optioned struggling lefty Tyler Lyons, who lasted just 1 2/3 innings on Friday, to Triple-A Memphis.
Right-hander Michael Blazek, a 35th-round draft pick in 2007, was recalled Saturday to add bullpen depth and the Cardinals could give Lyons' spot in the rotation to Joe Kelly. The 24-year-old Blazek made it to the majors for the first time earlier in the season but did not appear in a game, and had a 2.31 ERA and one save at Memphis in eight games with four of his outings lasting two innings.
Blazek began the year at Double-A Springfield, where he had an 0.92 ERA with 25 strikeouts in 19 2/3 innings.
The 25-year-old Lyons won his first two career starts but was 0-3 in his last four and is 2-3 with a 5.51 ERA. He was a ninth-round pick in 2010.
