Cardinals Acquire 40-Man Roster Pitcher T.J. Zeuch

photo: T.J. Zeuch (Toronto Blue Jays)

St. Louis Cardinals announcement

Zeuch, who had been designated for assignment, was acquired in return for cash considerations. He was Toronto’s first round selection (21st overall) in the 2016 Draft. The former University of Pittsburgh right-hander will celebrate his 26th birthday on August 1.

Befitting his draft status, Zeuch was once considered a top prospect in the Jays system, but his star has dimmed in recent years.

T.J. Zeuch

He first reached Triple-A in 2019 and has a 3.84 ERA in 25 appearances, including 22 starts. Zeuch has fanned 81 and walked 45 in 136 innings.

Zeuch made his MLB debut with the Jays in 2020 and in 13 outings across the two seasons, he has a 4.59 ERA. His 24 walks against 31 strikeouts in 49 innings is a concern while groundballs remain his forte.

The ability of the 6-foot-7, 245-pounder to start gives the Cardinals additional flexibility should either rehabbing Jack Flaherty or Miles Mikolas stumble. In the meantime, he will join the Memphis starting corps and try to impress the St. Louis brass.

Given his minimal MLB experience, Zeuch has two minor league option years remaining. He took the 40-man roster spot of reliever Roel Ramirez, claimed off waivers by the Mets this past week.

More on Zeuch from Prospects Live

In March, our friends at Prospects Live ranked Zeuch no. 29 in the Jays system, with the following commentary.

“Pitch-to-contact righty who needs to live on the edges to succeed. The stuff doesn’t miss enough bats consistently to be effective over the plate, even when sequencing well, and the command isn’t consistent or precise enough to MLB hitters out on a regular basis. Likely an up and down long reliever/emergency start guy that can give innings in a pinch. Could peak in middle relief if the slider improves.”


Other Sunday news

High A Peoria has placed first baseman Brady Whalen on the seven-day injured list.

Brady Whalen

In his fifth professional season on the field, the 23-year-old has a career-high nine home runs and 27 RBI in 49 games. The switch-hitter’s 2021 slash line is .255/.318/.432/.750.


For more

To track the status of the Cardinals’ 40-man roster as well as all players in the system by position and level, check out the Roster Matrix, always free and updated here at The Cardinal Nation. Also included is every player transaction across the full organization all year long.


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Brian Walton can be reached via email at brian@thecardinalnation.com. Follow Brian on Twitter.

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