Randy

Flores

Flores, back in the majors for the first time since 2002, had a 3.82 ERA for Memphis. He probably won’t see much action in close games.

The Cardinals wanted the extra position player for the playoff roster. Flores will return ASAP.

Flores was sent down on Aug. 31 so the Cardinals could set up their playoff roster. He’ll head back to the pen.

Flores will resume throwing in six to eight weeks and should be fine for the start of spring training. If Ray King is traded, he could be the top lefty in the St. Louis pen next season. Regardless, he’s almost certain to win a job.

He should be ready to be activated next Saturday.

Flores gave up five runs -- one earned -- in two innings last night, with his own error resulting in the runs being unearned. Overall, he has a 3.60 ERA in 25 innings.

Flores missed 15 days was a callus on his left foot.

Flores, who pitched in the majors with the Rangers and Rockies in 2002, had a 4.98 ERA in 142 2/3 IP for Triple-A Colorado Springs last season. He should have only a slight chance of making the Cardinals as a lefty reliever.

Flores failed to make the Rockies out of spring training, didn’t have much success in the minors during the first few months of the season, and was even worse once called up to the majors in May. In eight innings with the Rox this season, he allowed 13 baserunners and five earned runs.

Murton easily outplayed Scott Podsednik while hitting .302/.362/.453 in 53 at-bats, but he only made sense for the Rockies if they were going to go with a platoon in either outfield corner and they probably won’t do that initially. Hopefully, they’ll give him a chance to go elsewhere if someone makes an offer for him. At 27, he can’t afford to spend the season in Triple-A.