Bryan

Anderson

With Anderson being sent down, that means Tony Cruz has won the backup starting catcher job. The Cardinals also reassigned right-hander Victor Marte and outfielder-infielder Eugenio Velez to minor league camp.

Anderson is 6-for-13 with four walks this spring and is easily outshining fellow backup catcher candidates Tony Cruz and Koyie Hill with the bat. But offense isn’t going to be the determining factor here. Anderson has the worst defensive reputation of the trio, and he’ll have to overcome that to stick with Mike Matheny’s team.

Anderson was called up last weekend after Yadier Molina was on the bereavement list, but he didn’t make an appearance during his brief stint with the big club. The 25-year-old will return to a .210/.295/.272 batting line at the Triple-A level.

Molina suffered upper back, shoulder and neck strains in a scary home plate collision with Pirates infielder Josh Harrison on Tuesday night. He’s still dealing with some soreness in his neck, but passed another round of concussion tests on Wednesday. The Cardinals have recalled Bryan Anderson from Triple-A Memphis to provide some insurance behind the plate.

He’ll split playing time with Tony Cruz while Yadier Molina is on the bereavement list. Anderson, 25, is hitting .210/.295/.272 with two homers and a .568 OPS in 64 games at the Triple-A level this year. He can be ignored in fantasy leagues.

He’ll serve as insurance behind the plate while Yadier Molina is banged up. Tony Cruz will handle the starting job while Yadi is out.

Anderson appeared in 10 games with the Cardinals as a September callup. The 25-year-old is expected to open the 2013 season at the Triple-A level.

The 25-year-old backstop hit an underwhelming .225/.302/.317 with six homers and 35 RBI at Triple-A Memphis before appearing in 10 games with the Cardinals as a September call-up. He has decided to explore the free agent market rather than accepting an assignment to Triple-A.

He’s been given an invitation to spring training. Anderson used to be a decent prospect a while back but batted an ugly .225/.302/.317 at Triple-A in 2012. Even with the White Sox’ lack of catching depth, he seems likely to start 2013 at Triple-A.

None of the moves were unexpected. Anderson will serve as an emergency catching depth this year for the Pale Hose.