PITTSBURGH _ Running out of outfielders, the St. Louis Cardinals today recalled righthanded-hitting Nick Stavinoha from Class AAA Memphis to replace right fielder Ryan Ludwick on the roster.

Ludwick, the Cardinals’ cleanup man who had eight homers, was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right hamstring suffered Tuesday night when his leg gave out on him as he chased what turned out to be a triple by the Pittsburgh Pirates’ Nyjer Morgan.

Stavinoha, who should join the Cardinals in time for tonight’s game,  hit .193 in 29 games for the Cardinals last season although he batted .337 at Memphis. This year the Cardinals had hoped that Stavinoha, not a strong defensive player in the outfield, could be more versatile. The Memphis team was also playing him at first base and even as a catcher.

Stavinoha had four homers and 25 runs batted in, with a .264 average this year at Memphis. On the disabled list, Ludwick joins center fielder Rick Ankiel (bruised right shoulder), infielder Brendan Ryan (strained left hamstring), pitcher Chris Carpenter (torn oblique muscle in left side) and third baseman Troy Glaus (right shoulder surgery).

The Cardinals have been especially vulnerable against lefthanded pitching this season, hitting only .233. Ludwick had been their best hitter among the regulars against lefthanders at .323.

Stavinoha becomes the 11th rookie to be with the Cardinals this year. That is the highest total in the majors.