Tony Cruz went 2-for-4 with a two-run single and a run scored Saturday against the Nationals.

Cruz took advantage of a rare start behind the plate, as Yadier Molina got the afternoon off. If all goes according to plan for the Cardinals, Cruz won't see the field that often this year.

Tony Cruz (forearm) took batting practice Wednesday.

It's the first time he's done so since going on the DL last month with a stress fracture in his left forearm. Cruz has been available only on an emergency basis since his activation on Sunday, but it sounds like he should be ready soon enough to spot Yadier Molina when the Cards need him to.

Cardinals activated C Tony Cruz from the 15-day disabled list.

Cruz isn't ready to play yet, as he's still nursing a stress fracture in his left forearm. He should be cleared within a week or so, though, at which point he'll return to being Yadier Molina's primary backup.

Tony Cruz (forearm) will not return from the disabled list on Friday, the first day he's eligible.

Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak estimated Monday that the catcher would return in 7-10 days. Cruz, who has a stress fracture in his left forearm, has yet to be cleared to resume swinging or catching. Since rosters will be expanded, he could be activated before he's actually ready to play.

Cardinals placed C Tony Cruz on the 15-day disabled list with a stress fracture in his left forearm.

Rob Johnson will remain on the Cardinals' roster as Yadier Molina's backup while Cruz works his way back.

Tony Cruz has collected only two singles and a walk in 13 plate appearances.

The little-used backup isn't going to sniff fantasy relevance playing behind Yadier Molina. Cruz, a former 26th-round pick, is a .251/.287/.345 career hitter.

Tony Cruz went 2-for-4 and scored both of the Cardinals runs in a losing effort against the Reds on Saturday.

Cruz got the spot start in place of Yadier Molina who was resting, and responded with a very solid effort. On the season, the 25-year-old backstop is hitting .242/.252/.364 with a homer and 10 RBI in 103 plate appearances.

Tony Cruz went 1-for-4 with a run scored in Wednesday night's 7-2 victory over the Diamondbacks.

Cruz was filling in behind the plate for Yadier Molina, who suffered a bruised left hand in the ninth inning Tuesday. The 25-year-old backup is batting just .143 with a .333 OPS in 21 plate appearances this season, but he barely plays so it's not a major concern right now for St. Louis.

Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak told B.J. Rains of FOX Sports Midwest that Tony Cruz and Bryan Anderson will compete for the backup catcher job during spring training.

Not a surprise now that Gerald Laird has signed with the Tigers. The 25-year-old Cruz will likely be viewed as the favorite, as he impressed filling in for Laird this season and has decent pop to go along with a strong arm behind the plate.

Cardinals recalled C Tony Cruz from Triple-A Memphis.

Cruz hit .258/.333/.339 with six RBI in 62 at-bats for the Cardinals earlier this season. He will function as the club's emergency third catcher down the stretch.

Cardinals optioned C Tony Cruz to Triple-A Memphis.

Cruz proved to be quite versatile during his time in St. Louis, making appearances at four other positions besides catcher. He also hit a solid .258/.333/.339 while driving in six runs in 62 at-bats. His stay in the minors should be a short one.

Tony Cruz returned to action on Friday July 29.

Tony Cruz has been diagnosed with a right hand contusion.

Cruz sustained the bruise Thursday when he was struck on the hand by a foul tip. He had to exit the game and is being called "day-to-day" by the Cards' medical staff.

Tony Cruz was pulled from Thursday's game after suffering an apparent finger injury.

Cruz was struck on the tip of his finger by a foul ball. The Cardinals lost Gerald Laird earlier in the game and had to turn to Yadier Molina in the eighth inning. Molina was supposed to get the entire night off.

Tony Cruz hit a walkoff RBI double in the Cardinals' 7-6 win over the Diamondbacks on Saturday.

Cruz hasn't seen much playing time since his promotion, and that's not likely to change with Gerald Laird now back in the fold, but the 24-year-old played the role of hero in St. Louis on Saturday with a towering pinch-hit double to deep right-center field. He's 13-for-41 (.317) this year in the majors.

Tony Cruz was 2-for-3 with a run and two RBI in the Cardinals' 12-2 rout over the Phillies on Thursday.

The young catcher was called up a month ago to back up Yadier Molina. He will continue to earn the occasional start until Laird's return.

Cardinals recalled C Tony Cruz from Triple-A Memphis.

He'll replace the injured Gerald Laird on the active roster. Cruz, 24, has a .264/.319/.414 batting line over parts of five seasons in the minor leagues, including a .232 batting average to go along with four homers and 16 RBI over 107 plate appearances this season. This is his first promotion to the major leagues.