Cards' Isringhausen activated

St. Louis Cardinals closer Jason Isringhausen came to the ballpark Saturday expecting to throw one final bullpen tuneup before coming off the 15-day disabled list next week. Instead, he was activated. A day after the worst loss at 3-year-old Busch Stadium, a 20-2 pasting by the Phillies on Friday night, the Cardinals decided they needed Isringhausen even if he wasn't ready to pitch the ninth inning. The 35-year-old right-hander wasn't surprised, after the Cardinals used four relievers and infielder Aaron Miles in the rout.

"I had an idea after last night's game because I knew we'd be short of pitching," Isringhausen said. "I think after seven years they've seen me throw enough. That break did me good just to get my mind right, and now I'm back."