photo: Mike Mayers (Kim Klement/USA TODAY Sports)
In the second of three consecutive days of pitching roster changes, on Friday, the St. Louis Cardinals added Mike Mayers to the bullpen, replacing Thursday’s call-up, John Gant.
St. Louis Cardinals press release
The St. Louis Cardinals announced prior to tonight’s (Friday’s) game that they have recalled right-handed pitcher Mike Mayers from Memphis (AAA) and optioned right-handed pitcher John Gant to the triple-A Redbirds.
Mayers, 26, made three appearances with the Cardinals earlier this month, allowing just one run in 5.0 innings pitched. He was optioned to Memphis following the game on April 15 and appeared in three games for the Redbirds, totaling 5.0 scoreless innings while earning saves on April 21 and April 23 at Iowa.
Gant was recalled prior to yesterday’s game and gained the win with 3.0 perfect innings in the Cardinals 4-3 win over the Mets in 13 innings.
Mayers wears uniform no. 59.
Brian Walton’s take
Let this be a lesson to Cardinals relievers – do well and get demoted! Gant pitched exceptionally well in Thursday’s extra-innings win and was sent down the next day.
On Thursday, it was John Brebbia who was shipped to Memphis after earning his first career save with three scoreless innings to cap off Wednesday night’s win by St. Louis.
Of course, the motive is not performance-based at all, but to ensure the eighth reliever is fresh and capable to go multiple innings if needed. Mayers’ most recent outing was a one-inning save for the Redbirds on Monday, so he is well-rested.
Still, my advice to Mayers is to not unpack his bags, as the Cardinals will need to make another roster move on Saturday to make room for that evening’s announced starter. Jack Flaherty remains on Memphis’ roster, though the top prospect right-hander is already with the Cards in Pittsburgh.
Mayers’ hard-earned, but short-lived status as “2018 Spring Training Sensation” has long since worn off.
Mike, we hardly knew ‘ye!
Further, with all the churn, the Triple-A club’s rotation is in turmoil, with Memphis’ starters for both Sunday and Monday currently listed as the elusive “TBA” (to be announced).
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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Brian Walton can be reached via email at brian@thecardinalnation.com. Follow Brian on Twitter.
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