ST. LOUIS, Mo., Sept, 6, 2011 – The St. Louis Cardinals announced today that infielder Nick Punto has been activated from the 15-day disabled list after missing 36 games due to a strained left oblique.  Punto was placed on the disabled list July 29.

Punto, 33, has batted .271 with 13 RBI in 44 games for the Cardinals this season, making 21 starts at second base, three at third base and three at shortstop.

The switch-hitting Punto batted .200 (3-for-15) in a five-game injury rehabilitation assignment with Memphis (AAA).   His 2011 season was interrupted by sports hernia and right forearm injuries earlier in the year.