Cards disable Isringhausen

Posted: Fri May 16 3:39 PM

St. Louis, MO (Sports Network) - The St. Louis Cardinals have placed pitcher Jason Isringhausen on the 15-day disabled list because of a lacerated right hand.

Isringhausen was recently demoted from the closer's role and on Thursday blew a one-run lead in the eighth inning against Pittsburgh when he was tagged for four runs -- three earned -- in an 11-5 setback.

The Cardinals did not say how Isringhausen injured his hand, but the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported that the right-hander may have been hurt when he twice threw open-handed punches at a television in the clubhouse. The incident apparently occurred on May 9 after he blew a 3-2 lead against Milwaukee by allowing a two-out, two-run single to Rickie Weeks in the bottom of the ninth.

Isringhausen was demoted the next day, but made two scoreless appearances before his struggle on Thursday.

In 21 games this season, the veteran has a record of 1-5 with an earned run average of 8.00 and 11 saves. He has also blown six saves.

The Cardinals filled the roster spot by purchasing the contract of pitcher Chris Perez, who was the closer at Triple-A Memphis. The 22-year-old righty was 1-1 with eight saves and a 2.04 ERA in 18 games for the Redbirds. He also struck out 22 and walked nine in just 17 2/3 innings.

Perez was the 42nd overall pick of the 2006 draft and last season combined for 35 saves in 37 chances between Double-A Springfield and Memphis.

The Cardinals also transferred pitcher Josh Kinney from the 15-day to the 60- day disabled list to open a spot on the 40-man roster for Perez. Kinney is still recovering from Tommy John surgery performed in March of 2007.