It was reported on FOX Sports Midwest's broadcast Tuesday that the Cardinals will not place Nick Punto (elbow) on the DL at this time. The Cards said after Saturday's game that Punto was likely to need season-ending surgery on his elbow, but he was able to get a pinch-hit single Sunday and has reported improvement with the elbow the last couple days. Manager Tony La Russa, though, said after Sunday's game that there was "no way" Punto could play the field. It's a bizarre situation, and we certainly wouldn't be surprised to see him wind up on the disabled list eventually.

Nick Punto returned to action on Sunday July 17.

Nick Punto (elbow) will be reevaluated Monday before the Cardinals make a roster move with him. We're assuming he's still headed to the DL and the Cards are just waiting until Monday to officially make a move. Punto reportedly could require season-ending surgery on his elbow, and he's also dealt with forearm issues this season.

Nick Punto is headed back to the disabled list and could need season-ending elbow surgery. Punto has been in and off of the disabled list all year, and couldn't convert a throw from third base during Saturday night's game against the Reds. It's a blow to the Cardinals, who've liked his defensive versatility during the periods that he's been healthy. The utilityman was batting .267/.343/.389 in 36 games.

Cardinals manager Tony La Russa said Nick Punto is "not ready to play short(stop) yet" because he's still having forearm issues that make throws in the hole difficult. Punto actually started two games at short last week, but La Russa has evidently determined that the utilityman is not quite ready for the position yet. "I just think (La Russa) doesn't want to put me over (at shortstop) for a while, probably until after the All-Star break," said Punto. "He's trying to keep me at second and third base for a couple of days here." With Ryan Theriot getting the night off, Daniel Descalso received his first career start at shortstop Friday.

Cardinals activated INF Nick Punto from the 15-day disabled list. Punto played seven rehab games at Double-A Springfield, batting .333 with a .385 on-base percentage. He won't bring that kind of offensive prowess back with him to the major leagues, but he's a slick defender and should see playing time all around the St. Louis infield.

Nick Punto (forearm) is expected to be activated from the disabled list on Tuesday afternoon. Punto played his final rehab game on Sunday at Double-A Springfield and is ready to resume his role as the Cardinals' primary utility infielder. He might not see many starts, but the scrappy 33-year-old will get innings at third base, second base and even shortstop.

Nick Punto (forearm) went 3-for-4 with an RBI double and a run scored Tuesday in his second minor league rehab game with Double-A Springfield. Punto will continue to serve as the designated hitter for now until he's ready to play the field. He's currently working his way back from a right forearm flexor strain. He won't be rushed back to the majors.

Nick Punto (forearm) will begin a rehab assignment with Double-A Springfield Monday. Punto will serve as a DH for several games before playing the field. Coming back from a forearm flexor strain, he could possibly be back for the Cardinals' road trip that begins a week from Tuesday, but that's not Punto's focus right now. "You can't get too far ahead of yourself thinking about it," he said.

Nick Punto (forearm) is expecting to begin a minor league rehab assignment next week. Punto has been on the disabled list since the middle of May with a forearm flexor strain and has played in only 25 total games this season. The utility infielder is aiming to return before the end of June.