Butler (elbow) was outrighted to Triple-A Memphis on Tuesday. Butler wasn't going to be a legitimate option for the club in 2015 after undergoing surgery in late May, so the Cards went ahead and bumped him from the 40-man roster in favor of catcher Cody Stanley. In nine appearances with Triple-A Memphis last season before going down, Butler allowed just one earned run while fanning 13 over 10.2 innings.

Keith Butler needs Tommy John surgery. Butler surrendered six earned runs in two innings of relief earlier this season for the Cardinals. The 25-year-old righty will now be sidelined through mid-2015.

Cardinals optioned RHP Keith Butler to Triple-A Memphis. Butler had allowed six earned runs in two innings of relief this season for the Cardinals. The 25-year-old right-hander should get another look later this summer.

Keith Butler will make the Cardinals as a reliever. Butler was in a competition for a bullpen spot, and while he didn't necessarily leave no doubts -- the right-hander had an 8.38 ERA in 9 2/3 innings -- he's won the job. The 25-year-old will serve in a middle relief role for the club.

Cardinals optioned RHP Keith Butler to Triple-A Memphis. Butler had to eat some innings in the Cardinals' loss to the Dodgers on Wednesday night and wasn't going to be available for a couple of days. The 24-year-old right-hander should get another shot later this season.

Cardinals recalled RHP Keith Butler from Triple-A Memphis. Butler has a 1.98 ERA and 0.88 WHIP in 13 2/3 innings with the Cards this season. He'll pitch in middle relief.

Cardinals optioned RHP Keith Butler to Triple-A Memphis. Butler posted a cool 1.98 ERA and 0.88 WHIP in 13 2/3 innings of relief during his six-week stay in the major leagues. He should be brought back up pretty soon.

Cardinals purchased the contract of RHP Keith Butler from Double-A Springfield. He'll replace Mitchell Boggs on the active roster. Butler, 24, has compiled a stingy 0.66 ERA and 21/2 K/BB ratio over 13 2/3 innings this season in Double-A and will pitch in middle relief.

Cardinals optioned RHP Keith Butler and IF Ryan Jackson to Triple-Memphis; reassigned LHP John Gast to minor league camp.