Carlson was scratched from Saturday's lineup against the Mets due to a left elbow contusion, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Carlson took pitches to his left elbow and right shin during Friday's contest, and the damage to his elbow was apparently severe enough to keep him out of the lineup for a day. He'll be replaced in right field by Brendan Donovan, moving Nolan Gorman to second base and allowing Alec Burleson to step in as St. Louis' designated hitter Saturday. Carlson should be considered day-to-day going forward.

Carlson went 3-for-3 with a home run and two RBI in Saturday's 8-4 loss against the Reds.

EDGE Analysis

Carlson continued to put his ankle injury in the rearview Saturday, reaching base five times and crushing a two-run homer in the eighth inning as the Cardinals tried (unsuccessfully) to mount a late comeback at home. The center fielder also drew two walks for the second straight game and saw his average jump from .225 to .248 with the three-hit performance. It's certainly a positive sign, as the Cardinals finally appear to be getting their offense going.

Carlson (ankle) was reinstated from the 10-day injured list Friday, Lynn Worthy of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

EDGE Analysis

As expected, Carlson will make his return after being sidelined since May 14 due to a sprained ankle. The outfielder went 3-for-9 with a double, an RBI and two runs scored over a three-game rehab assignment with Triple-A Memphis. He's produced a disappointing .230/.278/.350 slash line over 108 plate appearances this season, but with both Tyler O'Neill (back) and Lars Nootbaar (back) on the 10-day IL, Carlson has a clear path back to a starting role.

Carlson (ankle) could be activated from the injured list ahead of the Cardinals' weekend series versus the Reds, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Carlson has reached base six times in three rehab games with Triple-A Memphis, seemingly putting his sprained left ankle in the rearview mirror. The 24-year-old had seized the Cardinals' everyday center field job before getting hurt nearly a month ago and he should slide back into a regular role, particularly with Lars Nootbaar (back) and Tyler O'Neill (back) still sidelined.

Carlson (ankle) will begin a rehab assignment Tuesday, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Carlson has been running and taking swings from both sides of the plate since Monday, but he's still a few days away from returning to game action. The team didn't indicate how long it plans to keep Carlson on assignment, but he could return ahead of the Cards' next homestand June 9.

Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said Monday that Carlson (ankle) is taking batting practice from both the left and right side of the plate and has resumed a running program, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The switch-hitting Carlson had previously been limited to batting only from the right side in recent days while he manages a left ankle sprain, but he no longer looks to be inhibited while performing full baseball activities. Carlson will likely increase the intensity of his running program over the next few days before potentially heading out on a minor-league rehab assignment later this week. Once he gets a few minor-league games under his belt and is cleared to return from the 10-day injured list, Carlson should settle back into a regular role in center field, which would likely result in Lars Nootbaar moving back to a corner outfield spot and one of Brendan Donovan and Alec Burleson losing out on a near-everyday gig.

Carlson (ankle) took batting practice from the right side of the plate Wednesday, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The switch-hitting outfielder will begin taking BP from the left side of the plate within the next few days as he continues his recovery from a left ankle sprain. He seems to be tracking toward a return to the Cardinals before the end of May, or maybe the beginning of June. Tyler O'Neill (back) is a little further behind, having only just recently advanced to light swings off a tee. Lars Nootbaar continues to function as the primary center fielder for St. Louis.

Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said Tuesday that Carlson (ankle) will start swinging the bat later this week, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Carlson is doubtful to be activated from the injured list when first eligible Thursday, but he is beginning to make steady progress in his recovery from a left ankle sprain. Lars Nootbaar has been serving as the Cardinals' primary center fielder in his absence.

St. Louis placed Carlson on the 10-day injured list Wednesday with a left ankle sprain.

EDGE Analysis

Carlson suffered the injury in Sunday's series finale against the Red Sox and wasn't making enough progress on the side. The hope is that he could be ready for activation when first eligible next Thursday. Oscar Mercado was called up from Triple-A Memphis to give the Cardinals a bit more outfield depth, though Lars Nootbaar should serve as the Cardinals' primary center field in Carlson's absence. Tyler O'Neill (back) is nearing a return from the IL as well.

Carlson (ankle) is likely to be placed on the injured list, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Oscar Mercado has reportedly been promoted and Wednesday is the last day the Cardinals can fully backdate an IL stint for Carlson, so it's not difficult to connect the dots here. Carlson sprained his left ankle Sunday and while he's made improvement, giving him another week off might not be the worst thing. Lars Nootbaar will handle center field while Carlson is out, with Brendan Donovan, Juan Yepez, Alec Burleson and Tommy Edman manning the corners.