Cardinals activate Adams from DL following 3-month absence

The St. Louis Cardinals received a major boost by activating first baseman Matt Adams from the 60-day disabled list Wednesday.

Sidelined since May 27 after suffering a completely torn quad while running the bases, Adams was facing the prospect of missing the entire season after undergoing surgery.

Adams, however, progressed through his recovery ahead of schedule and was running sprints in mid-August. He suffered a slight setback early last week after feeling tightness and has not yet been cleared to play the field, but will be available off the bench to pinch-hit.

Coming off a career-best season in which he slashed .288/.321/.457 with 15 home runs and 34 doubles, Adams slumped through 43 games this season, hitting .243/.281/.375 with four home runs.

The division-leading Cardinals are afforded the luxury of easing the 27-year-old back into game shape with capable veterans Brandon Moss and Mark Reynolds as options at first base.