photo: JoJo Romero (Dilip Vishwanat/USA TODAY Sports)
St. Louis Cardinals press release
The St. Louis Cardinals have placed right-handed relief pitcher Ryan Helsley on Paternity Leave and have recalled LHP JoJo Romero from Memphis (AAA). Infielder/outfielder Juan Yepez was activated from the 10-day Injured List and optioned to Memphis (AAA). Catcher Ivan Herrera will join the team in Arizona as a member of the Taxi Squad.
Helsley, 28, has been the Cardinals top relief pitcher this season, leading the team with 12 saves and all National League relief pitchers in wins (7), ERA (0.91), opponent BA (.120), WHIP (0.66) and baserunners/9 IP (5.98). He will miss a minimum of one day and a maximum of three days on the Paternity List.
Romero, 25, was acquired by the Cardinals from the Phillies in exchange for infielder Edmundo Sosa on July 30. Romero pitched in two Major League games (0-0, 13.50 ERA, 2.0 IP) with Philadelphia in 2022 and has 25 career MLB appearances. In three appearances with Memphis, Romero has allowed just one hit over 10 total batters faced without allowing a run.
Yepez, 24, was removed from the 10-day injured list with a right forearm strain. The infielder/outfielder has missed 25 games since July 14. He recently completed an injury rehabilitation assignment to Memphis playing in five games splitting time between right field and first base.
Herrera, 22, has played in 11 Major League games with the Cardinals earlier this season making his Major League debut vs. Toronto on May 24. In Memphis, Herrera was batting .276 with 3 HR and 24 RBI over 46 games.
Romero will wear uniform No. 59 and be active for tonight’s game in Phoenix. Herrera wears uniform No. 47.
Friday minor league moves
Class-A Palm Beach added two pitchers to its roster on Friday.
- LHP Alex Cornwell was activated from Palm Beach’s 7-day injured list.
- LHP Ómar Sánchez was promoted from the Florida Complex League to Palm Beach.
Cornwell had been on Pam Beach’s IL since July 28. The 23-year-old began the season in Palm Beach’s pen, but moved into the rotation on June 21 and had much better results since. In seven starts, the 2021 15th rounder has a 3.86 ERA and 39 strikeouts against just five walks in 37 1/3 innings.
Sanchez, 20, spent all of this season to date in the FCL, his second summer there. In 14 relief appearances, the lefty posted a solid 1.53 ERA with 17 strikeouts but walked 13 in 17 innings. The native of Puerto Rico was signed by the Cardinals as a non-drafted free agent in June 2020.
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