Cardinals option top prospect Oscar Taveras to Triple-A; activate 1B Matt Adams

Oscar Taveras started 10 games in right field for the Cardinals. (John Sleezer/Getty Images)

The Cardinals optioned top prospectOscar Taveras to Triple-A Memphis and activated first baseman Matt Adams (left calf strain) off the disabled list on Friday, the team announced.

With Adams returning, Allen Craig will likely return to his regular spot in right field, thus forcing Taveras out of a starting spot.

SI WIRE: Padres executives express disappointment with team's slow start

In 11 games since he was called up, Taveras hit .189 with a homer in his second major league at-bat and two RBIs. The Cardinals don't see the 21-year-old Dominican native as a center fielder, so he likely won't be recalled unless there is an injury at the big-league level.

Adams missed 13 games with his injury. He leads the team with a .325 average in 52 games, with three homers and 17 RBIs. The 25-year-old made four rehab appearances this week, going 3-for-15 with two RBIs.

St. Louis (34-32) is in second place in the NL Central, 5.5 games behind Milwaukee, entering Friday's game against the Nationals to start a 10-game homestand.

SI WIRE: Report: Cardinals ace Adam Wainwright has no structural damage in elbow