The Cardinals selected Velazquez's contract from Triple-A Memphis on Friday.
Velazquez nearly won an Opening Day roster spot with a big spring but then got off to a slow start at Memphis. However, the 27-year-old earned a promotion after slashing .308/.418/.600 with five home runs for Memphis in May. The right-handed slugger is starting at designated hitter and batting cleanup against Cubs lefty Shota Imanaga on Friday.