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Cardinals’ shortstop Jhonny Peralta is nearing a return to St. Louis. Peralta will begin a rehab assignment at Low A Peoria on Friday.

Cardinals’ brass gave Peralta the thumbs up on Wednesday after a round of batting practice. Peralta has been recovering from thumb surgery and is yet to make an appearance in big leagues so far this year.

Aledmys Diaz has filled in more than admirably for Peralta during his absence. but the veteran should help the defense at the very least upon his return. Diaz leads the team in the error department with 10.