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.