photo: Daniel Poncedeleon (Brian Walton/The Cardinal Nation)
St. Louis Cardinals press release
The St. Louis Cardinals announced prior to tonight’s (Monday’s) series opener with San Diego that they have purchased the contract of rookie right-handed pitcher Daniel Poncedeleon from Memphis (AAA). The club also announced that first baseman Luke Voit was optioned to the triple-A Redbirds following yesterday’s game.
Poncedeleon, 26, was 5-2 with a Pacific Coast League-leading 2.41 ERA in 12 games (11 starts) for Memphis this season, winning each of his last four decisions. The 6-3, 205-pound California native is ranked T2nd among PCL pitchers with his 71 strikeouts in 59.2 innings pitched.
Poncedeleon appeared in just six games for Memphis last season, missing the remainder of the season after being struck in the head by a line drive on May 9 at Des Moines. The former 2014 draft selection (9th round, 285th player overall) was the recipient of the Bob Bauman “Physical Comeback Award” from the St. Louis Chapter of the Baseball Writers Association of America at their January 2018 awards dinner.
Voit has appeared in five games for the Cardinals this season, batting .500 (2-for-4) with one home run and three RBI. His pinch-hit homer on June 7 vs. Miami was the Cardinals first pinch-homer this season.
With his first game appearance, Poncedeleon, who has been assigned uniform no. 62, will become the fifth player to make his Major League debut for the Cardinals this season, joining Jordan Hicks, Yario Muñoz, Tyler O’Neill and Austin Gomber.
Brian Walton’s take
Poncedeleon was scheduled to start for Memphis on Monday, so should provide a fresh arm. Chris Ellis was promoted from Springfield and made Poncedeleon’s turn for the Redbirds.
With Poncedeleon’s ultimate position likely to be the bullpen, this gives him the best chance to participate and provide help to St. Louis as quickly as possible. The Cardinals relievers have struggled with injuries and ineffectiveness all season.
With Austin Gomber perhaps needed as a left-handed specialist, Poncedeleon may serve as a long man with St. Louis.
The Cardinals had an open 40-man roster spot due to the DFA of Preston Guilmet last week, which was used for Poncedeleon.
At Memphis, Voit returns to a first base time share with Rangel Ravelo, with the designated hitter position when used offering additional relief when available. Ravelo can also play some corner outfield, but the Redbirds are loaded there, as well.
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