The St. Louis Cardinals activated rookie second baseman JJ Wetherholt from the 10-day injured list Wednesday ahead of their series finale against the San Francisco Giants, bringing him back with 10 games remaining in the 2026 regular season.

Wetherholt last appeared on Aug. 29 and was placed on the injured list Aug. 30 because of right wrist tendinitis. He missed 15 games after dealing with wrist pain for about a month. The issue worsened in late August and affected his production while he was also filling in at shortstop for Masyn Winn. Wetherholt previously acknowledged his body was not responding to the treatment plan intended to manage the pain.

The 24-year-old, who celebrated his birthday on Sept. 10, completed his usual pregame routine on Sept. 15 without concerns significant enough to prevent his activation. He returned Wednesday as St. Louis' leadoff hitter and starting second baseman, but the Cardinals are limiting his workload initially.

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Manager Oliver Marmol said Wetherholt will play six innings Wednesday regardless of the game situation. Thursday's team off-day provides another day of rest before the Cardinals determine his involvement based largely on how his wrist responds after returning to competition. The team plans to gradually increase his workload rather than immediately placing him back into a full-volume role.

Wetherholt has appeared in 130 games this season, owning a .242 batting average with 14 doubles, 17 home runs, 48 RBIs, 88 runs and 14 stolen bases. His slash line stands at .242/.343/.370, with a .713 OPS and 4.7 WAR. Despite missing time, his defense remains a major part of his Rookie of the Year case, as he ranks in the 100th percentile among major leaguers with 22 Outs Above Average.

Wetherholt's return also coincided with two corresponding roster moves. The Cardinals designated infielder Ramon Urias and right-hander Peter Strzelecki for assignment. Urías, 32, appeared in 43 games and hit .151 with a .260 on-base percentage, .326 slugging percentage, .586 OPS, four home runs and nine RBIs. Strzelecki, 31, made eight appearances and recorded a 5.78 ERA over 14 innings.