St. Louis Cardinals Activate Ace Sonny Gray from Injured List

ST. LOUIS — The Cardinals activated Sonny Gray from the 15-day injured list on Monday, paving the way for the veteran right-hander's return to the rotation after a right forearm tendinitis issue ended his 2024 campaign prematurely. The move, first reported by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, fills a critical gap in St. Louis pitching as the team hosts a key series at Busch Stadium. Manager Oliver Marmol called the placement precautionary in late 2024, noting an MRI showed no structural damage despite fatigue after Gray's heavy workload.

Gray, 36, logged a strong 2.79 ERA over 32 starts with Minnesota in 2023 before joining St. Louis, but injuries have marked his Cardinals tenure. A right hamstring strain delayed his 2024 debut, forcing three rehab starts in Florida and a debut push against the Phillies in early April. The forearm setback struck with eight games left in 2024, prompting the IL stint and replacement by Michael McGreevy for a start against the Rockies. Reliever Kyle Leahy was recalled from Triple-A Memphis at the time.

Cardinals fans, hungry for stability in a competitive National League Central, see Gray's activation as a boost amid recent roster tweaks. The team, which opened 2024 without Gray, outfielder Lars Nootbaar (rib fractures) and infielder Tommy Edman (wrist), now eyes his leadership from the hill. Gray expressed minimal concern post-MRI, focusing on game readiness in Jupiter, Florida. His return tonight underscores St. Louis' depth from Memphis affiliates.