Cardinals activated INF Felipe Lopez from the 15-day disabled list.

Lopez was leading off and playing shortstop against Craig Stammen and the Nationals on Monday night. He figures to get a good bit of playing time considering how much Brendan Ryan has struggled in the early going. Lopez returned to a .273/.347/.432 batting line over 44 at-bats.

Cardinals utility infielder Felipe Lopez (elbow) could be activated from the disabled list as soon as Monday.

Lopez is throwing without pain and the switch-hitter has been able to take live batting practice from both sides of the plate. He's been on the disabled list since April 26 with a strained ligament in his right elbow. His return will almost certainly cut into Brendan Ryan's playing time -- a good thing for the Cardinals considering Ryan's struggles at the plate.

Cardinals manager Tony La Russa said Felipe Lopez (elbow) could be back with the club by the beginning of the next homestand next week, if not sooner.

"He's progressing," said La Russa. "He's out there working right now. Pick up the pace and see how quickly the throwing comes. . I think it's safe to say he can play by next home stand. Sooner than that. It depends on how quickly his throwing comes around." The Redbirds kick off their next homestand next Monday against the Nationals, so this is promising news indeed. Lopez has been on the disabled list since April 26 with a strained ligament in his right elbow.

Felipe Lopez (elbow) was cleared to throw and hit from both sides of the plate after meeting with team physicians on Monday.

Promising news for Lopez, who was placed on the disabled list on April 26 due to a strained ligament in his right elbow. Though he is eligible to return from the disabled list on Tuesday, look for him to ramp up his workouts before possibly heading out on a minor league rehab assignment.

Felipe Lopez tested his elbow during on-field drills Friday and is optimistic that he'll return soon.

Lopez is eligible to come off the disabled list on May 11, and while it's doubtful that he'll be activated then, he might begin a rehab assignment on or around the date.

Cardinals placed INF Felipe Lopez on the 15-day disabled list with right elbow soreness.

He has felt symptoms off-and-on since April 11, but that didn't stop him from throwing an inning against the Mets last Saturday. Lopez was batting .273/.347/.432 with one home run and four RBI over his first 44 at-bats of the season. The Cards have called up Tyler Greene to take his place on the roster.

Felipe Lopez will have his elbow reexamined Monday in St. Louis.

Lopez was scratched from Sunday's series finale against the Giants with ongoing soreness in his right elbow. "My thinking is I'm going to be honest with them about what's going on," he said in a post-game chat with reporters. "It's probably not going to do me or the club any good if I try to be a hero. It's bothering me. So I'll get it checked." A cortisone shot may spur the Cards to call up an infielder from Triple-A Memphis, like shortstop Tyler Greene.

Felipe Lopez has been scratched from the Cardinals' lineup due to ongoing elbow soreness.

Lopez's elbow has been bothering him for a few days now, but stiffened up on him Saturday night after the game in San Francisco. David Freese took his spot at third base on Sunday.

Felipe Lopez is batting second and playing shortstop for the Cardinals on Saturday.

Manager Tony LaRussa had talked about moving Brendan Ryan out of the second spot in the order, but this still probably isn't a permanent move. It is something to keep an eye on, though, especially if Ryan continues to struggle at the plate.