Colin

Porter

Porter spent three weeks with the Astros in July and August but will see less time now with Jason Lane around.

Porter, 29, appeared in the majors with the Astros and Cardinals the last two years, hitting .254/.265/.313 in 67 AB. He wouldn’t really be any worse of a bench option than someone like Timo Perez, but he’ll spend another year in Triple-A this season.

Porter will be used mostly as a pinch-hitter and should only stick around until Richard Hidalgo returns. No fantasy value.

Porter figures to stay in the organization, but unless injuries strike the Astros outfield, he’ll open the season at Triple-A New Orleans.

An interesting move given that the Cardinals already had a Colin Porter on their roster. They call him Kerry Robinson. Porter would be an adequate fifth outfielder, but that should be all that he is. Unless the Cards dump Robinson, Porter likely will play regularly for Triple-A Memphis.

The Cardinals are going to 11 pitchers for now, but it’s likely that Porter will head right back to the minors as soon as Ray Lankford is 100 percent. Kiko Calero could then be called up to replace Jason Simontacchi in middle relief.

Porter went 2-for-8 during a stint in the majors while Richard Hidalgo was on the DL earlier this season. He’ll get a chance to act as Houston’s fifth outfielder.

Porter went 4-for-19 with 11 strikeouts in his three weeks with the Astros.