The Cardinals optioned Ponce de Leon to their alternate training site Saturday.
St. Louis designated Ponce de Leon as its 29th man for Friday's doubleheader with the Pirates. The right-hander started the second game of the twin bill and struck out nine for his second appearance in a row while working five innings and giving up two runs in a no-decision. Though he was sent down immediately after the outing, Ponce de Leon will likely rejoin the big club to make another start in the team's final doubleheader of the season this upcoming Friday against the Brewers.