photo: T.J. McFarland (Jeff Curry/USA TODAY Sports)
St. Louis Cardinals announcement
Prior to tonight’s game (Wednesday, August 10), the Cardinals announced that they recalled RHP Jake Woodford from Memphis (AAA) and designated LHP T.J. McFarland for assignment.
Since being optioned on July 2 and rejoining the Memphis rotation, Woodford has gone 2-1 with a 1.96 ERA (5 ER/23.0 IP) and 20 strikeouts in five starts.
Brian Walton’s take
After Tuesday’s 16-5 defeat at Colorado, the Cardinals needed relief fortification, hence the addition of Woodford, who was stretched out as a starter with Memphis. He last threw five days ago, pitching six one-run innings at Jacksonville.
It remains to be seen what role Woodford will play with the Cardinals, but long relief seems most likely. Earlier this season, the 25-year-old was effective out of the St. Louis bullpen, with a 3.05 ERA in 20 2/3 innings over 11 appearances.
The 33-year-old McFarland joined St. Louis last July after his release by the Washington Nationals. The left-hander was effective for the Cardinals, posting a 2.56 ERA in 38 appearances. After becoming a free agent again last fall, McFarland came to terms to return to St. Louis for 2022 for a salary of $2.5 million.
This season has been very difficult for McFarland, who finishes his Cardinals season with a 6.61 ERA in 28 appearances. Rarely used in the last month, his fourth outing since June 14 was on Tuesday night. In Denver, he was charged with two earned runs in 2 2/3 innings.
Designated for assignment means that the Cardinals have seven days to trade, waive or release McFarland. As a result, a 40-man roster spot has been freed up.
Minor league move
Also on Wednesday, August 10, Springfield’s scheduled starter that evening, right-handed pitcher Connor Lunn was instead placed on the Double-A Cardinals’ seven-day injured list. It is his second IL stint in 2022 as he previously sat out from May 24 until June 7.
Lunn, 24, made 17 starts this season, his first at Double-A. The right-hander has a 3-6 record with a 6.72 ERA. He struck out 72 against 21 walks in 77 2/3 innings. Texas League batters have hit a collective .315 against him.
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