Cardinals recall Thomas and Oviedo, place O’Neill on IL and option Woodford

ST. LOUIS — The Cardinals made four roster moves prior to Sunday’s series finale with the Brewers, including a pair that could shake up their outfield mix for the foreseeable future.

The team announced Sunday morning that it has placed outfielder Tyler O’Neill on the 10-day injured list with a right groin strain and recalled right-handed pitcher Johan Oviedo and outfielder Lane Thomas from their alternate training site in Sauget, Illinois. Additionally, right-handed pitcher Jake Woodford was optioned to the alternate site following Saturday’s game.

O’Neill, who was removed from Saturday’s game with right groin tightness after grounding out in the second inning, was hitting .143 (4 for 28) with a home run and three RBI in eight games. He’s started all eight of the Cardinals’ games so far in left field, so the club will have to rely on some combination of Thomas, John Nogowski, Austin Dean and Tommy Edman to soak up the available at-bats in the outfield.

Thomas has a career .216 batting average and a .782 OPS, but he struggled significantly in 2021, especially after returning from a stint on the COVID-19 injured list, and he finished the season with a .111 batting average and .450 OPS in 40 plate appearances.

Oviedo made his major league debut last season and posted a 5.47 ERA over five starts.

Woodford made two relief appearances this season, allowing two runs with four strikeouts in 4.0 innings.