Colby Rasmus' 11th Homer Extends Hit Streak

The addition of lefty bat Colby Rasmus to the Cardinals 40-man roster becomes all the more significant in light of his current 13-game hitting streak, in which he is has two homers for a total of 11 at Triple A Memphis.

The 21-year-old Georgia native -- rated the top Cardinals prospect over the past two years -- started off slowly this season, mired in an extended slump in which his batting average was below .200 for weeks.

At one point Rasmus was reportedly even under consideration for demotion to Double A Springfield, but he suddenly has caught fire, raising his average to .251 overall by hitting .371 over his last 10 games.

With Cardinals outfielders Brian Barton, Joe Mather and Chris Duncan hitting a combined 22 for 121 during the month of June -- a .181 average -- Manager Tony LaRussa will not need much of an excuse to call upon the Rasmus.

Though Rasmus still has much to learn, he has earned high marks for his fielding and has 10 stolen bases.