Cardinals Prepare for Twin Bill with Roster Changes

photo: Carlos Martinez (Benny Sieu/USA TODAY Sports Images)

St. Louis Cardinals press release

The St. Louis Cardinals announced a series of roster moves prior to today’s (Saturday’s) day/night double-header against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field.   The moves are as follows:

  • RHP Carlos Martínez (right oblique strain) placed on 10-day D.L., retroactive to July 20;
  • RHP Miles Mikolas activated from the Paternity List;
  • RHP John Brebbia recalled from Memphis (AAA);
  • RHP Luke Weaver activated from Taxi Squad as 26th man and will start Game 1 of double-header;
  • RHP Matt Bowman optioned to Memphis (AAA), following yesterday’s game.

Martinez, who was disabled earlier this season (May 9 to June 4) with a right lat strain, started Thursday night’s series opener, taking the loss.  He’s 6-6 with a 3.39 ERA in 17 starts this season.

Mikolas (10-3, 2.79) was named an All-Star for the first time and is set to start Sunday’s series finale.  Weaver (5-8, 4.72) draws the start in the opening game of today’s double-header.

Brebbia is being recalled for a 5th time.  He’s appeared in 27 games with St. Louis, going 1-3 with two saves and a 4.13 ERA.


Brian Walton’s take

Martinez reportedly suffered his injury while fielding a ball in the fifth inning of Friday’s game, but many who have watched him since he returned from the disabled list wondered if he was fully healthy. Martinez reportedly had an injection to reduce swelling.

Regarding the word from the club that Martinez may only miss one start, though this is an oblique vs. the earlier lat, we have heard this optimistic message before.

A review of the calendar indicates Martinez cannot return until the 31st at the earliest, therefore being assured of missing at least two starts.

St. Louis starter Michael Wacha is heading into his second month out with an oblique injury that we are told is more severe than Martinez’.

For anyone who may have wondered why the Cardinals did not keep an extra reliever Saturday and not wait to activate Mikolas for his Sunday start, he had reached the end of his three-day paternity leave.

Between injury, doubleheaders and no days off, it appears the Cardinals could be two starters short for the Cincinnati series. If so, 40-man roster starters Austin Gomber and Daniel Poncedeleon may be the next men up. Both St. Louis’ and Memphis’ official upcoming starters are listed as “TBA”.

More change is clearly on the way.


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

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