photo: John Gant (Memphis Redbirds)
The St. Louis Cardinals added one right-handed pitcher named John from Triple-A Memphis – John Gant – and sent down another – John Brebbia.
St. Louis Cardinals press release
The St. Louis Cardinals announced prior to today’s (Thursday’s) game that they have recalled right-handed pitcher John Gant from Memphis (AAA) and optioned right-handed pitcher John Brebbia to the triple-A Redbirds.
Gant, 25, has excelled at Memphis, posting a 3-0 mark with a 2.25 ERA in his four starts, ranking T3rd in the Pacific Coast League in innings pitched (24.0). His most recent appearance came on April 21 in a win at Iowa when he threw 5.0 innings, allowing three runs.
Gant appeared in seven games for the Cardinals last season, making two starts, and owns a career mark of 1-5 with a 4.81 ERA in 27 Major League appearances (9 starts) between Atlanta (2016) and St. Louis (2017).
Brebbia earned his first career save with 3.0 scoreless innings to cap off last night’s win. He’s not allowed a run in his three appearances with St. Louis, totaling 5.0 innings with seven strikeouts.
Gant wears uniform no. 53.
Brian Walton’s take
A fresh arm in Gant, one capable of throwing multiple innings, is added to the Cardinals’ bullpen mix, which currently consists of eight relievers, same as the season-opening number. However, only four starters are active, so one bullpen member may be sent down to make room for the activation of Saturday’s St. Louis starting pitcher, Memphis’ Jack Flaherty.
As noted above, Brebbia went three innings for St. Louis on Wednesday night, so would likely be unavailable to pitch for several days. His most recent stint with St. Louis began just one week ago, on April 19. The 27-year old was promoted when Adam Wainwright returned to the 10-day disabled list.
Prior to that, Brebbia was bounced off the Opening Day roster when the last minute decision was made by the Cardinals to bring up rookie Jordan Hicks. As a result, this marks the start of Brebbia’s third stint with Memphis already this season.
On the other hand, Gant is fully-rested on a starter’s schedule. In fact, he had been Memphis’ scheduled Thursday starter prior to the club’s Wednesday night postponement.
For roster and player information
To see the full 2018 season-opening rosters by level and position for the entire Cardinals system on one page, along with every transaction all season long, check out the Roster Matrix, recently refreshed and always free at The Cardinal Nation.
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