Cards mulling options for Peralta’s return

ST. LOUIS — Though rainy weather kept Jhonny Peralta from taking on-field batting practice on Tuesday, the veteran shortstop is progressing well enough that he could be ready to begin a Minor League rehab assignment as early as this weekend, Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak announced on Tuesday.

Peralta, who underwent left thumb surgery on March 10, has been hitting in the batting cages for the last week. Once he can show the Cardinals that he has sufficient strength to handle batting practice, Peralta will head out so he can sharpen his timing against live pitching.

Once that rehab assignment begins, it can stretch for a maximum of 20 days. Mozeliak indicated that the Cardinals may utilize most of that time since Peralta took only four at-bats this spring before getting injured. The strong play from Aledmys Diaz at short also gives the Cardinals the luxury of being patient.

Mozeliak said that there are no current plans to have Peralta play other positions besides short during his rehab assignment, but added that he would be comfortable tapping into Peralta’s …

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