Brian Walton shares his observations about 30 St. Louis Cardinals minor league pitchers with noteworthy results during July, whether good or bad.
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Category Archives: St. Louis Cardinals
The Cardinal Nation’s July 2024 Pitcher of the Month – Keiverson Ramirez
For the second consecutive month, DSL right-hander Keiverson Ramirez posted the top overall pitching performance in the St. Louis Cardinals system. The 18-year-old’s July results are compared to seven other finalists with ERAs under 2.50 plus Top 10 prospects.
This article details the selection process for The Cardinal Nation’s Pitcher of the Month for July 2024. Pitchers across all levels of the St. Louis Cardinals minor league system, including the two rookie-level Complex League teams, are eligible.
As a reminder, this is NOT the “Pitcher of the Month Among Top Prospects”. Every player in the system has an equal chance, with only their performance during the month against their league peers used to differentiate the best of the best. Age and level, which are key prospect considerations, are not factors here.
Guidelines
To qualify, a pitcher must have thrown at least the minor league minimum of 0.8 innings per team game. At the top end, Memphis played 23 games in July. At the rookie ball end, the Dominican Summer League played 18 and the Florida Complex League finished the season with 13 July contests.
So, we will use the following bars for pitchers – 18 1/3 innings for the full-season teams, 14 1/3 for the DSL and 10 1/3 for the FSL.
Across the system, only 24 pitchers made the innings-pitched cut. Oddly, Memphis had just three pitchers who reached the minimum, tied with the DSL for fewest in July. A factor is the number of callups of hurlers to St. Louis during the month, which ultimately is why the minor leagues exist.
To reach the short list of eight finalists, an ERA below 2.50 was required. That bar is much higher than in many months, necessary to get a good finalist pool.
The finalists represent just two of four full-season levels of the organization plus both the rookie level Florida Complex League and Dominican Summer League. Double-A Springfield (for the second straight month) and Triple-A Memphis were shut out despite having eight pitchers between them who made the innings cutoff.
Low-A Palm Beach leads the pack with three finalists, with the two rookie-levels supplying two finalists each. The other finalist calls High-A Peoria home. All eight are starters.
Counting Stats
In the following table, the finalists are listed in ascending ERA order.
| July Pitcher | Tm | W | L | ERA | G | GS | SV | IP | H | R | ER | HR | BB | SO |
| Keiverson Ramirez | DSL | 3 | 1 | 0.45 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 20 | 11 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 19 |
| Jose Davila | PB | 1 | 0 | 0.72 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 25 | 13 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 8 | 33 |
| Jason Savacool | PB | 2 | 0 | 0.75 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 24 | 14 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 15 |
| Ixan Henderson | PB | 2 | 0 | 0.86 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 21 | 11 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 6 | 15 |
| Andrew Bolivar | DSL | 0 | 0 | 1.45 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 18.2 | 11 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 4 | 29 |
| Yordy Herrera | FCL | 2 | 1 | 2.25 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 9 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 7 | 21 |
| Pete Hansen | Peo | 3 | 0 | 2.35 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 30.2 | 25 | 8 | 8 | 5 | 5 | 37 |
| Ronny Oliver | FCL | 1 | 1 | 2.45 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 14.2 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 0 | 7 | 11 |
Four of the finalists compiled an exceptional ERA of under 1.00, with just one other in the wide range from 0.86 to 2.25. The final three land between 2.25 and 2.48 but are realistically too far behind the others to win.
Just as was the case with our July Player of the Month, we are faced with the dilemma of whether to consider rookie pitchers alongside the others. Our view is that all players are competing to the best of their ability against their peers and as such, good results deserve to be recognized, regardless of the level.
Making matters even more interesting is that our June Pitcher of the Month, DSL right-hander Keiverson Ramirez, is once again atop the ERA leaderboard in July.
The Palm Beach rotation trio of Jose Davila, Jason Savacool and Ixan Henderson each have a case to be made. The former’s total of 33 strikeouts is eye-catching, while the lines of the latter two being so close that it would be difficult to choose between them.
Advanced stats
Here are additional statistics from the finalists in the same ascending ERA sequence.
| July Pitcher | IP | K/9 | BB/9 | K/BB | BAA | BABIP | WHIP | ERA |
| Keiverson Ramirez | 20 | 8.6 | 0.5 | 19.0 | 0.153 | 0.208 | 0.60 | 0.45 |
| Jose Davila | 25 | 11.9 | 2.9 | 4.1 | 0.157 | 0.260 | 0.84 | 0.72 |
| Jason Savacool | 24 | 5.6 | 2.3 | 2.5 | 0.171 | 0.209 | 0.83 | 0.75 |
| Ixan Henderson | 21 | 6.4 | 2.6 | 2.5 | 0.149 | 0.172 | 0.81 | 0.86 |
| Andrew Bolivar | 18.2 | 14.0 | 1.9 | 7.3 | 0.164 | 0.289 | 0.80 | 1.45 |
| Yordy Herrera | 12 | 15.8 | 5.3 | 3.0 | 0.209 | 0.409 | 1.33 | 2.25 |
| Pete Hansen | 30.2 | 10.9 | 1.5 | 7.4 | 0.216 | 0.270 | 0.98 | 2.35 |
| Ronny Oliver | 14.2 | 6.8 | 4.3 | 1.6 | 0.140 | 0.179 | 0.95 | 2.45 |
The strikeout rates of rookie-ball pitchers Yordy Herrera (FCL) and Andrew Bolivar (DSL) are very impressive at 15.8 and 14.0 per nine innings, respectively. Also fanning hitters at a rate greater than one per inning are Davila and Peoria’s Pete Hansen.
At the other end of the list, Savacool, Henderson and Oliver all had strikeout rates under seven per nine.
Herrera also led in walk rate, at 5.3 per nine, but this is a stat that pitchers want to minimize. His FCL teammate Ronny Oliver has the same challenge at 4.9.
At the other end of the free pass spectrum is Ramirez, who issued just one all month for a minuscule rate of 0.5 per nine. Exceptional control is even more unusual for a rookie ball hurler.
Put the two together and Ramirez’ strikeout to walk ratio of 19 is unheard of. Also very worthy of mention are the 2022 third-rounder Hansen at 7.4 and Bolivar at 7.3. Oliver at just 1.6 pulled up the rear.
However, Oliver led the finalists in batting average against at a stingy .140, with Henderson (.149), Ramirez (.153) and Davila (.157) right behind. Even the “worst” of the finalists, Hansen at .216, was very good.
In BABIP (batting average on balls in play), Herrera’s .409 really stands out. How could he put together the kind of results he did is amazing to me.
The sub-.180 BABIPs of Henderson and Oliver suggest a high level of good fortune on batted balls. To a slightly lesser extent, the same could be said for Ramirez (.208) and Savacool (.209).
Among the top tier of finalists, Davila’s .260 is closest to being reasonable.
Driven by his low, low walk rate, Ramirez’ WHIP of 0.60 is the best of the group by far, with Bolivar next at 0.80. All finalists were good, coming in under 1.00, except for Herrera at 1.33.
While the rate of baserunners allowed alone (with WHIP as a surrogate) is not a deciding factor, Ramirez’ dominance in this category suggests that his ERA leadership is not a fluke.
If I was trying to share the wealth, I would give the award to Davila. And he might win the organization’s corresponding honors. But his numbers in any category other than strikeout rate simply aren’t the best in the system.
For the second consecutive month, Ramirez’ name was mentioned from the very start and was repeated often. Others also have their high points, but Ramirez has no real weakness (other than BABIP, perhaps) and no other finalist was able to overcome his lowest ERA, WHIP, walk rate and highest strikeout to walk ratio.
When considering all the results, Ramirez is The Cardinal Nation’s July Pitcher of the Month, a rare, but deserving repeater.
About the winner
Ramirez, 18, is a second-year DSL starter, after being a January 15 signing for $75,000 from Venezuela in 2023. Last season, the right-hander logged a 4.31 ERA in 39 2/3 innings.
Returning to the DSL in 2024, Ramirez began with two four-inning starts and followed with a pair of five-inning appearances. He allowed three runs, two earned, in his second start with the other three outings scoreless.
This season, the tall and slender Ramirez (6-foot-1, 170 pounds, up from 155 at signing) has been very strong against right-handed batters (.171 BAA) as well as versus lefties (.214) and has yet to give up a home run this season (in 38 innings pitched).
Baseball America praised Ramirez’ simple, low-effort delivery that leads to his plus control. Pre-signing, his fastball touched 90 mph with projection for more velocity, and he also throws a slider and changeup.
One could argue that if he was assigned to a US-based team, Ramirez would have been promoted by now. However, not only would it be a much greater logistical challenge to come from the Dominican to the States in-season, but the season of the FCL (the next step up) has already concluded.
If Ramirez isn’t invited to US spring training in 2025, however, something would be very wrong.
Top 10 prospects in July
Here is how Top 10 organizational pitching prospects per The Cardinal Nation fared in July. None of the five was a finalist for our Pitcher of the Month honors, but then again, only one of them was healthy.
#2 Tink Hence (Springfield) – The right-hander threw just three innings in June and only 1 2/3 frames at the very tail end of July. The 20-year-old has a lot of catching up to do.
#3 Tekoah Roby (Springfield IL) – Roby has reportedly has not thrown since being placed on the injured list on May 27.
#4 Quinn Mathews (Springfield) – The lefty finished his first full month at Double-A with a 5.06 ERA in four starts. In the process, the fast riser experienced his first career difficulty, including a six-run start on July 12.
#5 Cooper Hjerpe (Springfield IL) – Twice the Texas League Pitcher of the Week in June, the lefty threw just two innings in July before going on the injured list.
#10 Sem Robberse (Memphis IL) – The right-hander did not pitch all month.
June’s winners in July
There is nothing more to say about The Cardinal Nation’s June winner, since Ramirez repeated.
Instead, the Cardinals organization selected Mathews as their June Pitcher of the Month. Since his July results are documented above, this section is complete.
What is next?
Next, The Cardinal Nation will share some observations about July results by other pitchers not mentioned here. The Cardinals organization should name their own selections of Player and Pitcher of the Month in the upcoming days, as well.
Related article
The Cardinal Nation July 2024 Player of the Month – Rainiel Rodriguez
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Now available – 2024 Cardinals Prospect Guide
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Brian Walton can be reached via email at brian@thecardinalnation.com or for fastest turnaround, pose your questions on The Cardinal Nation’s members-only forum. Follow Brian on Twitter.
© 2024 The Cardinal Nation, thecardinalnation.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Analyzing July Hitting Results Across the Cardinals System
Brian Walton shares his observations about two dozen St. Louis Cardinals minor league hitters with noteworthy results during July, whether good or bad.
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Cardinals Continue End of July Minors Pitching Shuffles
On Wednesday, July 31, the St. Louis Cardinals made four transactions affecting pitching at all four full season rosters.
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Cardinals Add McGreevy for Wednesday Start, Lynn Injured
photo: Michael McGreevy (Brian Walton/The Cardinal Nation)
Two days after they increased their rotation depth via trade, the St. Louis Cardinals need it as Lance Lynn goes on the injured list and Michael McGreevy makes what appears to be a spot start on Wednesday.
St. Louis Cardinals release
The St. Louis Cardinals announced a series of roster moves this morning (Wednesday, July 31) that follow:
- RHP Michael McGreevy (#36) selected from the Memphis (AAA) roster;
- RHP Lance Lynn (right knee inflammation) placed on the 15-day Injured List;
- RHP Ryan Loutos (#68) recalled from Memphis (AAA);
- RHP Chris Roycroft optioned to Memphis (AAA);
- Memphis RHP Jacob Bosiokovic designated for assignment.
McGreevy, 24, the Cardinals 1st round draft selection (18th player overall) in 2021 out of UC-Santa Barbara, will be making his Major League debut this afternoon in a start against the Texas Rangers. The 6-5, 220-pound McGreevy will become the 8th player (6th pitcher) to make their Major League debut for St. Louis this season.
McGreevy, who was high school teammates with current Cardinals pitcher Andre Pallante, has compiled a 5-7 mark with a 4.45 ERA in 20 starts for Memphis (AAA) this season.
Rated as having the “Best Control” in the Cardinals organization by Baseball America in each of the past two seasons, McGreevy has logged four scoreless starts of 6.0 innings or more this year, including his most recent start on July 24 at Columbus when he blanked the Clippers on just two hits over 6.0 IP.
Loutos, 25, a product of Washington University (St. Louis, MO), has appeared in two games (1.1 IP) for the Cardinals this season, including his MLB debut on June 1. The 6-5, 240-pound Loutos (pronounced loo-tus), has saved a team-leading 10 games and recorded a 1.98 ERA in his 31 games pitched for Memphis this season, producing a 1.27 WHIP in 36.1 IP.
Brian Walton’s take
McGreevy becomes the 10th pitcher to start a game for St. Louis this year. With the first start of newly-acquired Erick Fedde this coming weekend, it suggests that McGreevy may be a one-and-done starter – this time around.
However, it is hardly a wasted move. This fall, McGreevy would have been required to be added to the 40-man roster for Rule 5 protection, anyway. As McGreevy seemed to plateau at Triple-A, he slid from eighth on The Cardinal Nation’s Top 50 Prospect List in the off-season to 18th currently.
The 40-man roster casualty to make room for McGreevy is his Memphis teammate Bosiokovic.
The 30-year-old returned to the organization prior to the season as a minor league free agent. Bosiokovic was added to the 40-man and called up to St. Louis from June 30-July 5 but did not make his MLB mound debut.
With Memphis this season, the right-hander has a 3.95 ERA in 33 appearances. He has 52 strikeouts with 25 walks in 41 Triple-A innings.
The Cardinals have seven days for Bosiokovic to clear waivers, trade him or release him.
Lynn, 36, was signed during the offseason and has been one of the more inconsistent members of the rotation. Still, the right-hander has a 4.06 ERA in 21 starts while averaging just over five innings per outing. He picked up his sixth win of the season against the Rangers on Tuesday evening after allowing one run in five innings but struggled with right knee inflammation during his outing. The injury is not believed to be serious.
Pallante may remain in the rotation to cover Lynn’s spot.
This season, Roycroft, 27, has been a regular on the I-55 Shuttle between Memphis and St. Louis. The right-hander was most recently called up on July 5. That was his fifth stint with the Cardinals in 2024, though two of them do not count against the maximum of five as they were for one day only as the 27th man for a doubleheader.
With St. Louis this year, his first as a major leaguer, Roycroft has a 4.15 ERA in 24 appearances out of the bullpen.
For transaction and roster information
To see all players in the system by level and position plus every transaction all year ‘round, check out the always free Roster Matrix here at The Cardinal Nation, refreshed today.
Now Available – 2024 Cardinals Prospect Guide
The Cardinal Nation Prospect Guide is back for its seventh year. It includes 282 pages of in-depth commentary about more than five dozen of the best St. Louis Cardinals minor leaguers, including in-depth scouting reports, 2023 recap, extensive draft and international histories and more.
Special half-price off deal for paid subscribers. Order your PDF or printed book copy today.
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It’s a “Two Dozen Tuesday” for Cardinals Minors Player Moves
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Brian Walton can be reached via email at brian@thecardinalnation.com or for fastest turnaround, pose your questions on The Cardinal Nation’s members-only forum. Follow Brian on X/Twitter.
© 2024 The Cardinal Nation, thecardinalnation.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Wednesdays With Walton and Newberry – July 31, 2024
photo: J.J. Wetherholt (University of West Virginia)
The Cardinal Nation’s Brian Walton is joined by scouting analyst Blake Newberry for a weekly discussion of St. Louis Cardinals news, with a focus on player development and the minor leagues.
Our podcasts are quick hitting and timely, covering a short list of current topics in 15-20 minutes. More information on everything we discuss can be found in articles here at The Cardinal Nation.
This week, Brian and Blake share their general impressions of the Cardinals’ trade deadline moves and a host of minor league transactions announced on Tuesday. The latter is headlined by the activation of nine 2024 draft picks, including first-rounder J.J. Wetherholt.
All video of episodes of the return of Wednesday With Walton and Newberry at The Cardinal Nation can be found here.
The audio is also simulcast each week via the Scoops Sports Network on your favorite podcast apps.
Now Available – 2024 Cardinals Prospect Guide
The Cardinal Nation Prospect Guide is back for its seventh year. It includes 282 pages of in-depth commentary about more than 60 of the best St. Louis Cardinals minor leaguers, including in-depth scouting reports, 2023 recap, extensive draft and international histories and more.
Special half-price off deal for paid subscribers. Order your PDF or printed book copy today.
Exclusively for members of The Cardinal Nation
Not yet a member?
Subscribe to The Cardinal Nation for the most comprehensive coverage of the St. Louis Cardinals from the majors through the entire minor league system.
Brian Walton can be reached via email at brian@thecardinalnation.com. Follow Brian on X/Twitter.
Follow Blake Newberry on X/Twitter @bt_newberry.
© 2024 The Cardinal Nation, thecardinalnation.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
It’s a “Two Dozen Tuesday” for Cardinals Minors Player Moves
Brian Walton breaks down 24 minor league player transactions announced by the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday, July 30.
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Cardinals Acquire Reliever Shawn Armstrong for Dylan Carlson
photo: Shawn Armstrong (Mike Watters/USA TODAY Sports)
On deadline day, the St. Louis Cardinals traded former first-rounder Dylan Carlson for Tampa Bay reliever Shawn Armstrong.
St. Louis Cardinals release
The St. Louis Cardinals announced this afternoon (Tuesday, July 30) that they have completed a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays, acquiring right-handed pitcher Shawn Armstrong in exchange for outfielder Dylan Carlson.
Armstrong, 33, has appeared in 38 games for the Rays this season, including seven starts, posting a 2-2 mark with a 5.40 ERA.
The 6-2, 225-pound Armstrong has pitched for Cleveland, Seattle, Baltimore, Miami and Tampa Bay over his 10-year major league career, compiling a 10-7 mark with a 4.18 ERA over 280 games (327.1 IP) with 344 strikeouts.
Last season, Armstrong fanned 54 batters in 52.0 IP for the Rays, and fashioned a 1.38 ERA, allowing just two home runs and 11 walks to go along with a 0.90 WHIP.
Armstrong has had postseason experience with the Rays the past two seasons, appearing in Wild Card round games in both 2022 and 2023.
Brian Walton’s take
After three years of declining performance hampered by injury, Carlson had been relegated to a bench role. It seemed a change of scenery would be best for the former first-rounder.
With Monday’s acquisition of veteran outfielder Tommy Pham, it appeared the odds of Carlson being traded increased.
The Cardinals had a stated need for more relief depth, so this trade accomplished two objectives for the team, currently two games out of the third wild card spot and just two games over .500 for the season.
However, Armstrong is a rental, set to become a free agent following the season. Carlson has two more years of team control in 2025 and 2026.
For transaction and roster information
To see all players in the system by level and position plus every transaction all year ‘round, check out the always free Roster Matrix here at The Cardinal Nation, refreshed today.
Now Available – 2024 Cardinals Prospect Guide
The Cardinal Nation Prospect Guide is back for its seventh year. It includes 282 pages of in-depth commentary about more than five dozen of the best St. Louis Cardinals minor leaguers, including in-depth scouting reports, 2023 recap, extensive draft and international histories and more.
Special half-price off deal for paid subscribers. Order your PDF or printed book copy today.
Exclusively for members of The Cardinal Nation
Not yet a member?
Join The Cardinal Nation for the most comprehensive coverage of the St. Louis Cardinals from the majors through the entire minor league system.
Brian Walton can be reached via email at brian@thecardinalnation.com or for fastest turnaround, pose your questions on The Cardinal Nation’s members-only forum. Follow Brian on X/Twitter.
© 2024 The Cardinal Nation, thecardinalnation.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Florida Complex League Cardinals Notebook – 2024 Week 12
With a 2-1 record, the rookie Cardinals closed their season with their first winning week since Week 1. RHP Yordy Herrera had an FCL-leading (tied) six wins, 30% of his team’s total in 2024.
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Cards Minors Pitching Improves with the Returns of Hence and Thompson
A starting pitcher at each of the top two levels of the St. Louis Cardinals minor league system are apparently ready to resume after missing time.
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DSL Cardinals Right-Hander Kener Perez Suspended
St. Louis Cardinals minor league pitcher Kener Perez, a member of the Dominican Summer League Cardinals, has been suspended 56 games for a PED violation.
Major League Baseball press release
The Office of the Commissioner of Baseball announced today that three Minor League players have been suspended.
St. Louis Cardinals Minor League pitcher Kener Perez, who is currently on their Dominican Summer League roster, has received a 56-game suspension without pay after testing positive for Stanozolol, a performance-enhancing substance in violation of the Drug Prevention and Treatment Program for Minor League players assigned outside of the United States and Canada.
San Diego Padres Minor League pitcher Ibrahym Jimenez, who is currently on their Dominican Summer League roster, has received a 56-game suspension without pay after testing positive for Nandrolone, a performance-enhancing substance in violation of the Drug Prevention and Treatment Program for Minor League players assigned outside of the United States and Canada.
Free agent Minor League pitcher Yonathan Frias has received a 56-game suspension without pay after testing positive for Boldenone, a performance-enhancing substance in violation of the Drug Prevention and Treatment Program for Minor League players assigned outside of the United States and Canada.
Brian Walton’s take
Perez, a 19-year-old native of Colombia, is in his second year as a relief pitcher in the DSL. After posting a 4.91 ERA in 13 games in 2023, his mark has slid to 8.31 in seven 2024 outings. In 13 innings this season, the right-hander has 12 strikeouts, but issued eight walks and hit seven batters. Perez last pitched on July 17.
🔵 El joven #pitcher sincelejano, Kener Pérez, logró su primera victoria de la temporada en la Dominican Summer League #DSL con los #Cardenales de #SanLuis sobre #BlueJays de #Toronto con score 15×9.
Pérez trabajó 2.2 entradas, no permitió hits ni carreras, concedió 3 bases por… pic.twitter.com/7fVlXORsOf
— korraleja.co ® (@Korraleja) June 5, 2024
The duration of the suspension means that Perez will miss the early stages of the 2025 season as well as it having ended his 2024.
According to my records, Perez is the 43rd Cardinals minor leaguer to be suspended for PED or drug-related matters, but only the second since 2019. In June 2023, current Springfield right-hander Leonardo Taveras was suspended 80 games while still in Class-A.
For transaction and roster information
To see all players in the system by level and position plus every transaction all year ‘round, check out the always free Roster Matrix here at The Cardinal Nation, refreshed today.
Now Available – 2024 Cardinals Prospect Guide
The Cardinal Nation Prospect Guide is back for its seventh year. It includes 282 pages of in-depth commentary about more than five dozen of the best St. Louis Cardinals minor leaguers, including in-depth scouting reports, 2023 recap, extensive draft and international histories and more.
Special half-price off deal for paid subscribers. Order your PDF or printed book copy today.
Exclusively for members of The Cardinal Nation
TCN’s Monthly Cardinals Top 50 Prospect Rankings – July 2024
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© 2024 The Cardinal Nation, thecardinalnation.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
TCN’s Monthly Cardinals Top 50 Prospect Rankings – July 2024
Placing 2024 draftees into The Cardinal Nation’s Top 50 Prospect List headlines our July monthly update as Blake Newberry and Brian Walton have differing views of no. 1. The two exchange notes as to who should go where and why.
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Wednesdays With Walton and Newberry – July 24, 2024
photo: John Mozeliak, J.J. Wetherholt, Randy Flores (St. Louis Cardinals)
The Cardinal Nation’s Brian Walton is joined by scouting analyst Blake Newberry for a weekly discussion of St. Louis Cardinals news, with a focus on player development and the minor leagues.
Our podcasts are quick hitting and timely, covering a short list of current topics in 15-20 minutes. More information on everything we discuss can be found in articles here at The Cardinal Nation.
This week, Brian and Blake share their general impressions of the Cardinals’ 2024 draft including focus areas, before discussing some of the standout player selections. They conclude with where the new signees will slot into The Cardinal Nation’s Top 50 Prospect List, including differing views of the system’s number one prospect.
All video of episodes of the return of Wednesday With Walton and Newberry at The Cardinal Nation can be found here.
The audio is also simulcast each week via the Scoops Sports Network on your favorite podcast apps.
Now Available – 2024 Cardinals Prospect Guide
The Cardinal Nation Prospect Guide is back for its seventh year. It includes 282 pages of in-depth commentary about more than 60 of the best St. Louis Cardinals minor leaguers, including in-depth scouting reports, 2023 recap, extensive draft and international histories and more.
Special half-price off deal for paid subscribers. Order your PDF or printed book copy today.
Exclusively for members of The Cardinal Nation
Not yet a member?
Subscribe to The Cardinal Nation for the most comprehensive coverage of the St. Louis Cardinals from the majors through the entire minor league system.
Brian Walton can be reached via email at brian@thecardinalnation.com. Follow Brian on X/Twitter.
Follow Blake Newberry on X/Twitter @bt_newberry.
© 2024 The Cardinal Nation, thecardinalnation.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Cardinals Formally Announce 2024 Draft Signings
photo: Brian Holiday (Oklahoma State University Athletics)
Via two separate social media posts on Monday, July 22, the St. Louis Cardinals formally announced the signing of 14 of their 18 2024 draft picks who have reportedly come to contract terms with the organization. The announcements mean that for these players, all the “I”s have been dotted and all the “T”s have been crossed. These young men are now officially professional baseball players.
Four of the 18 have apparently not completed their physicals and approvals and therefore, have not yet been announced. They are first-round shortstop J.J. Wetherholt, fourth-round catcher Ryan Campos, sixth-round catcher Josh Kross and 17th-round pitcher Brandt Thompson. They should be officially joining the fold soon.
The team’s other draft pick, who is not expected to sign, is 19th round high school shortstop Brendan Lawson.
| Rd/overall | 2024 draft | StL announce | Team |
| 1-7 | J.J. Wetherholt | 2024-07-23 | FCL |
| 2 forfeited | |||
| 3-80 | Brian Holiday | 2024-07-22 | none |
| 4-109 | Ryan Campos | 2024-07-24 | none |
| 5-142 | Braden Davis | 2024-07-22 | none |
| 6-171 | Josh Kross | 2024-07-23 | none |
| 7-201 | Andrew Dutkanych | 2024-07-22 | none |
| 8-231 | Jack Findlay | 2024-07-22 | none |
| 9-261 | Cade McGee | 2024-07-22 | none |
| 10-291 | Bryce Madron | 2024-07-22 | none |
| 11-321 | Jon Jon Gazdar | 2024-07-22 | none |
| 12-351 | Ian Petrutz | 2024-07-22 | none |
| 13-381 | Nolan Sparks | 2024-07-22 | none |
| 14-411 | Mason Burns | 2024-07-22 | none |
| 15-441 | Sam Brodersen | 2024-07-22 | none |
| 16-471 | Deniel Ortiz | 2024-07-22 | none |
| 17-501 | Brandt Thompson | 2024-07-23 | none |
| 18-531 | Christian Martin | 2024-07-22 | none |
| 19-561 | Brendan Lawson | will not sign | |
| 20-591 | Owen Rice | 2024-07-22 | none |
None of the newest Cardinals have been added to a team roster at this time, though some of the hitters could join one of the Class-A teams soon.
Tuesday update
On Tuesday mid-day, the Cardinals formalized the Wetherholt signing as well as the additions of Kross and Thompson. Wetherholt has been assigned to the Florida Complex League Cardinals, a team that has just two official games remaining.
That leaves just Campos.
Ready to work! 💪
We have agreed to terms with our 2024 first round draft pick, JJ Wetherholt!#ForTheLou pic.twitter.com/3WNYeKdqL1
— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) July 23, 2024
Wednesday update
On Wednesday morning, the organization formally announced Campos’ signing, so the Cardinals are finished with this draft class.
We have agreed to terms with C Ryan Campos, our 4th round pick from the 2024 MLB Draft.#ForTheLou pic.twitter.com/383kQFHl7p
— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) July 24, 2024
For more draft information
For full financial details on how the Cardinals managed their draft spending and a comparison to recent years, review this exclusive article for paid subscribers to The Cardinal Nation.
For transaction and roster information
To see all players in the system by level and position plus every transaction all year ‘round, check out the always free Roster Matrix here at The Cardinal Nation, refreshed today.
On The Cardinal Nation team rosters, these 2024 draft picks will be found under either “Draft players unsigned” or “Players signed”.
Now Available – 2024 Cardinals Prospect Guide
The Cardinal Nation Prospect Guide is back for its seventh year. It includes 282 pages of in-depth commentary about more than five dozen of the best St. Louis Cardinals minor leaguers, including in-depth scouting reports, 2023 recap, extensive draft and international histories and more.
Special half-price off deal for paid subscribers. Order your PDF or printed book copy today.
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Brian Walton can be reached via email at brian@thecardinalnation.com or for fastest turnaround, pose your questions on The Cardinal Nation’s members-only forum. Follow Brian on X/Twitter.
© 2024 The Cardinal Nation, thecardinalnation.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
St. Louis Cardinals Major League Notebook – July 15-21
photo: Lars Nootbaar (Brian Walton/The Cardinal Nation)
Coming out of the break, the St. Louis Cardinals won two of three in Atlanta. Lars Nootbaar and Alec Burleson have been leading the offense. Our history feature highlights notable former Cardinals who debuted during the past week.
Game recaps
Monday, July 15 through Thursday, July 18, 2024 – All-Star Break
Friday, July 19, 2024 – Cardinals at Braves (postponed to Saturday)
Saturday, July 20, 2024 – Cardinals 2 at Braves 3 (10 innings, game one)
The St. Louis Cardinals lost to the Atlanta Braves in the first game of a twin bill on Saturday. Starter Kyle Gibson pitched 6 2/3 innings, gave up one run on three hits, struck out six and walked two.
Ryan Fernandez relieved Gibson and allowed one run in 1 1/3 innings to take the blown save. Andrew Kittredge threw a scoreless ninth. Losing pitcher Chris Roycroft yielded one unearned run in the 10th.
The game was scoreless until the sixth inning when the Cardinals went up 1-0. Masyn Winn tripled and scored on a single by Alec Burleson. St. Louis added a run in the top of the seventh on a solo home run by Nolan Arenado.
The Braves answered with two runs in the home seventh to tie the game at 2-2.
The game went into extra innings and in the bottom of the 10th, Atlanta pushed across a run to win in a walk off 3-2.
The Cardinals scored two runs on nine hits. Winn was 2-for-5. Lars Nootbaar was 2-for-3.
Saturday, July 20, 2024 – Cardinals 9 at Braves 5 (game two)
The Cardinals beat the Braves in the second game of the twin bill 9-5. Starter Sonny Gray pitched seven innings, gave up five runs on eight hits and struck out 10 to receive his sixth win of the season.
27th man Kyle Leahy relieved Gray and tossed two scoreless innings of relief to earn his first save.
The Cardinals put up one run in the top of the first inning. Masyn Winn tripled and scored on a sac fly by Alec Burleson.
In the home first, Atlanta tied the game. St. Louis responded with four runs in the second for a 5-1 lead. Nolan Arenado singled. Nolan Gorman hit a two-run home run. Michael Siani drew a walk. Winn singled. Burleson plated Siani on a single. Willson Contreras drove in Winn on a single.
The Braves plated one run in the fourth to cut the lead to 5-2. The Cardinals made it 6-2 in the fifth on a solo home run by Brendan Donovan.
The Braves added three runs in the sixth to shrink the lead to 6-5. The Cardinals responded with three runs in the ninth to win 9-5. Siani singled, stole second and advanced to third on a throwing error. Siani came home on a single by Burleson. Contreras singled. Burleson and Contreras scored on a single by Donovan.
The offense scored nine runs on 14 hits. Burleson was 3-for-4 with three RBI. Donovan was 2-for-5 with three RBI. Contreras was 3-for-5 with an RBI. Winn was 2-for-5 with two runs scored. Gorman had two RBI.
On the bases, Siani stole two bases. Lars Nootbaar swiped his fourth bag.
Sunday, July 21, 2024 – Cardinals 6 at Braves 2
The Cardinals defeated the Braves to take the series, 2-1 and the season series with the Braves. Starter Miles Mikolas pitched six innings, gave up two runs on seven hits, struck out three and walked one to earn his eighth win of the season.
The pen contributed three scoreless innings. Ryan Fernandez took the seventh, Andrew Kittredge the eighth and Ryan Helsley the ninth.
The Cardinals took the lead in the second inning on a solo home run by Paul Goldschmidt, who had been moved to the seventh spot in the order. In the third, a solo home run by Alec Burleson increased the lead to 2-0.
The Braves scored one run in the home half of the third. St. Louis made it 3-1 in the fourth on a solo home run by Lars Nootbaar. A fourth run scored in the top of the fifth as Michael Siani singled and later came home on a single by Burleson.
Atlanta scored a second in the bottom of the fifth to shrink the lead to 4-2.
St. Louis put up one run in the eighth on a solo home run by Willson Contreras to widen the lead to 5-2. In the ninth, a final run raised the score to 6-2. Nolan Gorman drew a walk. Siani singled, stole second and went to third on a throwing error. Gorman scored on the error.
The Cardinals scored six runs on nine hits. Burleson was 2-for-5 with two RBI. Siani was 2-for-4.
On the bases, Siani stole his 13th base of the season.
Draft apparently complete
The Cardinals have reportedly come to terms with 18 of 19 players selected in the 2024 First-Year Player Draft, completing the negotiating process. Full details here:
The Big Picture
The Cardinals won two of three from the Braves over the weekend, which gave then a 4-2 season series advantage over Atlanta. This is important in the postseason for seeding purposes. The Cardinals are 52-47 on the season and remain in second place in the NL Central, five games back of the Brewers.
This shortened week showcased improved offense and adequate pitching. Kyle Gibson, who arguably pitched the best in the series, took a no decision thanks to the bullpen in the extra innings loss. Sonny Gray pitched seven innings and punched out 10 Braves hitters, but gave up five runs in the process, including four home runs. Mikolas pitched better against the Braves than he did in his last start against the Cubs.
The top offensive performers over the last seven days are Lars Nootbaar (1.300), Alec Burleson (1.043), Masyn Winn (1.043) and Willson Contreras (1.000). At the bottom is Paul Goldschmidt (.487). In the final game of the Braves series, Goldschmidt was moved down in the lineup to the seventh spot and hit a home run in his first at bat.
The ERAs for the three starters in Atlanta: Gray (6.43), Mikolas (3.00) and Gibson (1.35). The bullpen did its job, most especially Kyle Leahy, who was the 27th man for the doubleheader and threw two scoreless innings to close out the second game. He was optioned back to Memphis the next day.
The team goes to Pittsburgh for three and will once again have to face Paul Skenes. The Cardinals lost the last game against Skenes but got five hits against him. The first place Brewers were no-hit by Skenes when they faced him last.
Over the weekend, the Cardinals will play the World Series Champion Texas Rangers at home. The Rangers are below .500 and are in third place in the AL West.
NL Central Standings
| Team | W | L | Pct | GB |
| Milwaukee | 57 | 42 | 0.576 | |
| St. Louis | 57 | 46 | 0.525 | 5 |
| Pittsburgh | 50 | 49 | 0.505 | 7 |
| Chicago | 48 | 53 | 0.475 | 10 |
| Cincinnati | 47 | 53 | 0.470 | 10.5 |
Trade and Acquisition Rumors
Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported that the Cardinals have “strong interest” in pitcher Erick Fedde. The right-handed starting pitcher is expected to be made available by the White Sox leading up to the July 30 trade deadline.
Transactions
- 7/19 The Cardinals sent RHP Riley O’Brien on a rehab assignment to the Memphis Redbirds.
- 7/20 The Cardinals recalled RHP Kyle Leahy from the Memphis Redbirds.
- 7/21 The Cardinals optioned RHP Kyle Leahy to the Memphis Redbirds.
Injury Report
- CF Tommy Edman (arthroscopic wrist surgery) was transferred to the 60-day injured list from the 15-day injured list on May 6. Edman had another setback because of lingering pain from his prior ankle sprain. He received an anti-inflammatory injection. After rest, Edman is scheduled to resume his rehab assignment with Springfield on Tuesday. He has yet to play in the field.
- RHP Keynan Middleton (right forearm strain) was transferred from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day injured list on June 22. Middleton underwent season ending forearm surgery. The right hander will not throw a pitch for the Cardinals this season.
- LHP Drew Rom (left bicep tendinitis and left shoulder surgery) was transferred from the 15-day injured list to the 60 day-injured list on April 30. Rom underwent left shoulder surgery. The left hander is expected to be out until at least September.
- RHP Riley O’Brien (right forearm flexor strain) was transferred from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day injured list on May 10. O’Brien has begun a rehab assignment with the Memphis Redbirds.
- LHP Steven Matz (lower back strain) was transferred from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day injured list on June 28. Matz has thrown two bullpen sessions and is close to a live batting practice session. Return is still hopeful for August, with the caveat that his role will depend on the Cardinals moves at the trade deadline.
- RHP Ryan Helsley did not pitch in the All-Star Game due to some hip tightness. Manager Oli Marmol told reporters that Helsley was available to pitch in the doubleheader on Saturday, but he did not make an appearance until Sunday.
Looking Ahead
Following the series with the Braves in Atlanta, the Cardinals are in Pittsburgh for a set with the Pirates. Andre Pallante is scheduled to make the Monday start, followed by Lance Lynn on Tuesday and Kyle Gibson on Wednesday.
After a travel day on Thursday, July 25, the Cardinals take on the Nationals at Busch Stadium. The final series in July will be three with the Texas Rangers in St. Louis.
August begins at Wrigley Field for a four-game series with the Cubs. The Cardinals return to St. Louis to play a rain makeup game with the Mets on Monday, August 5. Next will be three against the Tampa Bay Rays.
The team takes a road trip following the Rays series. The Cardinals head to Kansas City for two to complete the home and home series. They then travel to Cincinnati to play the Reds in a three-game series.
After a travel day, the Cardinals begin a weekend series at Busch Stadium with the Dodgers starting on August 16.
Blast from the Past
This week’s Blast from the Past returns again to the Debut Series, which showcases major league debuts of notable Cardinals.
This week we remember three former Cardinals, one from the Whitey Herzog era and two 21st century Cardinals. These players made their major league debut during the period July 15 through 21.
The following list contains the name of the former Cardinal, the date on which he debuted, in what game he debuted, and how he performed.
Terry Pendleton – The third baseman for Whitey Herzog’s Cardinals made his major league debut on July 18, 1984 in a game against the San Francisco Giants at Busch Stadium II. The Cardinals won 8-4 in 11 innings.
Pendleton started at third and batted sixth. He went 3-for-5 with an RBI. In his first at bat in the second inning, Pendleton singled but was left stranded. His first major league hit was off Giants starter Atlee Hammaker.
In the fourth inning, Pendleton flied out to center. Pendleton singled again in the sixth inning, scoring Tom Herr for his first major league RBI.
In the eighth, Pendleton drew a walk and was picked off first base but advanced to second on an error by the pitcher.
Pendleton hit his third single of the game in the 10th and was left on base. Pendleton batted again in the 11th and hit a ground out to the catcher as Herr was tagged out at home. Pendleton scored on a home run by Darrell Porter.
Trevor Rosenthal – Fireballer Rosenthal made his debut with the Cardinals on July 18, 2012 in a 4-3 loss to the Brewers at Miller Park.
Rosenthal was brought into the game in the eighth inning to replace starter Adam Wainwright. He pitched to six Brewers beginning with Nyjer Morgan, whom he walked. Rosenthal next gave up a single to Aramis Ramirez. He then struck out Corey Hart. Rickie Weeks lined out to right. Rosenthal walked Martín Maldonado to load the bases. Rosenthal’s final hitter was Carlos Gómez, who struck out swinging.
Rosenthal did not record a save in 2012 and in fact, his first save didn’t come until September 23, 2013.
Stephen Piscotty – Piscotty made his major league debut on July 21, 2015 in an 8-5 win over the Chicago White Sox at US Cellular Field.
Piscotty was in the starting lineup playing in left field and batting ninth. In his first at bat in the in the second inning, Piscotty struck out swinging.
Piscotty’s next at bat was in the fourth inning. He hit an infield single to third for his first major league hit. The hit was against White Sox starter Carlos Rodón. Piscotty scored on a home run by Matt Holliday.
Piscotty batted again in the fifth and flied out to right. In the seventh, he struck out swinging. Piscotty was removed in the bottom of the ninth for defensive replacement Peter Bourjos.
Exclusively for members of The Cardinal Nation
Now Available – 2024 Cardinals Prospect Guide
The Cardinal Nation Prospect Guide is back for its seventh year. It includes 282 pages of in-depth commentary about more than five dozen of the best St. Louis Cardinals minor leaguers, including in-depth scouting reports, 2023 recap, extensive draft and international histories and more.
Special half-price off deal for paid subscribers. Order your PDF or printed book copy today.
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© 2024 The Cardinal Nation, thecardinalnation.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Cardinals 2024 Draft Signing Update – July 21
Though none have been announced by the team, 17 of the St. Louis Cardinals’ 19 2024 draft picks have reportedly come to financial terms with the club.
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Cardinals Add Free Agent Lefty Michael Watson
The St. Louis Cardinals have reportedly signed a non-drafted left-handed pitcher with a very interesting and unique prior travel itinerary.
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Cardinals Conclude 2024 Draft with 10 Picks
photo: Jon Jon Gazdar (Austin Peay Athletics)
On Tuesday, July 16, the St. Louis Cardinals are making their final 10 selections in the third day of the 2024 First-Year Player Draft, covering rounds 11-20.
Though fewer observers pay attention to Day 3 selections compared to the first 10 rounds, the reality is that good major leaguers have been sourced from these picks. In fact, the Cardinals have been especially successful over the years finding talent in round 11 and later.
Note that the Cardinals would be required to use a portion of their $10,213,000 pool allocation from rounds 1-10 to cover any harder-to-sign any Day 3 selections who receive more than $150,000 in signing bonus.
It remains to be seen if the Cardinals go down this path in 2024, as they did not in either 2022 or 2023. But in 2021, they spent an extra $175,000 to sign 11th round shortstop Mack Chambers and 12th round pitcher Chris Gerard. (Neither remain in the system today.)
There is another belt-tightening factor in 2024, as well. Given the loss of the second-round selection and its associated slot money, coupled with the rumored overslot bonus required to sign first rounder J.J. Wetherholt, the Cardinals seem to have very little cap flexibility to overspend anywhere else. That certainly seemed to be the case during Day 2.
Specifically, with the signing of Sonny Gray during the off-season, the Cards forfeited their second-round spot and associated cap spending of over $2.225 million. These factors leave them less opportunity to reallocate money to overpay selected Day 3 picks.
On Days 1 and 2 of the 2024 Draft, the Cardinals focused exclusively on college players, using all nine of their picks there. Of the nine collegians added to date, just one is a senior, taken in the 10th round.
The lack of financial leverage that goes with having a smaller that average (ranked 17th) overall bonus pools is a big reason why the Cardinals have not yet selected a high schooler in this draft. If they want to go after such a higher upside, higher risk teenager at all, it could be in the early rounds of Day 3.
Draft recap
In the 20 rounds, the Cardinals took 19 players – six right-handed pitchers, three lefties, two catchers, six infielders (four shortstops and two third basemen) and two outfielders.
The team selected one high schooler and one junior college player. Among the 17 collegians taken are 10 juniors, six seniors (including five taken during Day 3) and one sophomore.
For the second consecutive day, scouting director Randy Flores was asked about the large number of under six-foot tall selections. He replied, “It’s not as if they are throwing 85-88 (mph). They have good velocity and performance.” Flores also noted the Cardinals were “looking for value.”
That led to another value-related question. I asked Flores about the predominance of seniors, which represent just under one-third of the Cardinals’ selections. That is more than usual and can be a signal of a club looking to conserve signing bonus money.
Flores responded that the 2024 class includes the “last remnants of COVID” and the associated extra year of eligibility they received. He also wondered if NIL and transfer flexibility were factors.
Flores said he would have to look at the makeup of other teams’ selections to answer whether the Cardinals took more seniors than other organizations. He did make it clear that it was “not an intentional strategy” to target seniors but they wanted to “draft guys who are ready to play.”
Overall, Flores said he expected “more certainty” in the draft because the Cardinals were drafting in the top third vs. their usual bottom third placement. However, that did not turn out to be the case.
Flores closed by noting that his scouts have already scattered “with all eyes moved toward the 2025 draft.”
The Cardinals now have 16 days to get as many of these 19 drafted players signed as their budget will allow, with the deadline of August 1. The signed players will be turned over to Gary LaRocque and the Player Development function.
For more
Click on each player’s headshot photo to be taken to his player profile page here at The Cardinal Nation, with additional information.
To reference the Cardinals’ new draft class on an ongoing basis, each player will have a profile located on a holding team called “DRAFT PLAYERS UNSIGNED”. This can be accessed at the bottom of the drop-down menu in the red column in the left menu called “ROSTERS/PLAYERS/MOVES” or click here.
Cardinals Select J.J. Wetherholt on 2024 MLB Draft’s First Day
As Tuesday progresses from afternoon into evening, this article will be updated as picks are made and information added, so please check back often.
St. Louis’ 2024 Day 3 selections
11th round, 321st overall
Jon Jon Gazdar, shortstop
Austin Peay State University (TN), senior
5’11/180 pounds
Bats/Throws: R/R
Hometown: Walnut Creek, CA
Gazdar played at Chabot (CA) College in 2022 before moving to Austin Peay for 2023-2024. In his freshman season, he appeared in 38 games, batting .325 with 12 doubles, 22 RBI, and 33 runs scored with 18 stolen bases.
He competed in 2023 and 2024 for the Hyannis Harbor Hawks of the Cape Cod League. Between his two summers in the Cape, Gazdar’s average dropped from .361 to .314, but he raised his slugging by 30 points, leading to an improvement in OPS from .842 to .872.
For Austin Peay in 2024, Gazdar batted .405 (10th in Division 1) with 13 home runs and 55 RBI. He only struck out 14 times vs. 27 walks taken.
Over his two seasons at Austin Peay, he slashed .359/.443/.570/1.013 with 45 doubles, 16 home runs, 90 RBI, and 106 runs scored in 113 games.
Gazdar draws raves for his contact rate but has below average power. He is an above average runner and could become a versatile defensive performer.
Flores was pleased that Gazdar was available in the 11th round, noting he “makes contact and can impact the ball.” Cardinals scouts like the “freedom in his swing” and his “good velocity he showed in the Cape.”
12th round, 351st overall
Ian Petrutz, outfield
University of Alabama, junior
6’0/210 pounds
Bats/Throws: L/L
Hometown: Mantua, New Jersey
Petrutz spent his first two years at the University of Maryland and joined Alabama for the 2024 campaign.
Petrutz led the Crimson Tide in OBP at .447 with 30 walks and 20 hit by pitches. He batted .321 with 14 doubles, six home runs and 40 RBI.
In his three years as a collegian, he hit .302 with 29 home runs and 131 RBI over 149 games.
13th round, 381st overall
Nolan Sparks, pitcher
University of Rochester (NY), senior
5’10/195 pounds
Bats/Throws: R/R
Hometown: Aurora, Colorado
Sparks is a four-year Division III pitcher with mid-90s fastball. He also competed for the Bourne Braves in the Cape Cod League.
Sparks is Rochester’s all-time leader in strikeouts, including 60 of his 248 Ks in 2024 (in 60 innings). In 10 starts this spring, Sparks was 4-2 with a 2.25 ERA.
He started all four years for the Yellowjackets with a career record of 19-5, a 3.06 ERA over 38 starts (43 appearances) over 209 innings, with 248 strikeouts and .234 opponent average against.
Sparks is a two-time Liberty League Pitcher of the Year and was First Team All-Liberty League in each of the last two seasons.
Flores said his scouts noted that Sparks “moves well on the mound”. He had “gains in stuff and velocity and his K rate spiked” in 2024, and Flores sees the potential for “continued development” by Sparks.
Career strikeout #200 for @URBaseball senior pitcher Nolan Sparks! #GoJackets #d3baseball pic.twitter.com/eeYxlYvE0C
— University of Rochester Athletics (@UofRathletics) April 6, 2024
14th round, 411th overall
Mason Burns, pitcher
Western Kentucky University, senior
6’3/215 pounds
Bats/Throws: R/R
Hometown: Bloomington, Illinois
In two years at Western Kentucky, Burns saved 19 games and struck out 118 hitters in 90 innings.
As a senior, Burns broke WKU’s single-season saves record and finished second in Division 1 with 15 saves in 28 appearances. He posted a 3-3 record with a 4.00 ERA while striking out 52 batters in 35 innings and with only 13 walks.
Burns played his freshman and sophomore seasons at Illinois State.
How are we feeling, Tops fans? 😤#NoLimitsOnUs | @WKU_Baseball pic.twitter.com/NpQG1T1q9J
— Conference USA (@ConferenceUSA) May 24, 2024
15th round, 441st overall
Sam Brodersen, pitcher
Louisiana Tech University, senior
6’1, 200 pounds
Bats/Throws: R/R
Hometown: Orlando, Florida
Brodersen pitched first three seasons for Wingate University before moving to Louisiana Tech for 2024.
Brodersen and Wingate were the NCAA Division II National Champions in 2021. He won the national title game with five innings of no-hit relief. In 121 1/3 career IP with the Bulldogs (2021-2023), Brodersen went 10-3 with a 3.63 ERA and 164 strikeouts.
In 2022, Brodersen pitched for the Bluefield Ridge Runners of the Appalachian League, now a collegiate summer league. He appeared in just two games, yielding three runs in 2 2/3 innings on four hits, six walks and four strikeouts.
This spring at Louisiana Tech, Brodersen went 8-1 with a 3.05 ERA and 96 strikeouts and 40 walks in 56 innings. He held opponents to a collective .160 batting average. In Conference USA, he was First-Team All-Conference,
Brodersen features a four-seam fastball that can reach 97 mph and a plus slider, but he has below average control.
Sam Brodersen comes in and freaking dominates!!
3 up
3 down 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/XSWjQMpDoq— Teri Netterville (@TeriNettervill) February 17, 2024
16th round, 471st overall
Deniel Ortiz, third baseman
Walters State Community College (TN), Juco 2
6’1/230 pounds
Bats/Throws: R/R
Hometown: Lynn, MA
In two seasons at Walters State, the Puerto Rico native hit .387 with 34 home runs and 116 RBI in 117 games. Ortiz drew 91 walks against 70 strikeouts.
The 19-year-old batted .321 in 26 games for the 2024 State College Spikes, a member of the MLB Draft League. The prior summer, he was an Appalachian League All-Star, leading the collegiate league with 10 home runs for Kingsport, and won the circuit’s Home Run Derby.
Flores commented that it is “challenging to scout at the Juco level” due to the wide variety in quality of play. The Cardinals like Ortiz’ exit velocity and that “he held his own playing against older players (in the Draft League).”
Deniel Ortiz (@denielll27) goes first to home on @samueldb24's single to left field, padding @SCSpikes' lead in the 7th.
Tune in: https://t.co/OTo8uLjVMw pic.twitter.com/vBoAAFNIuX
— MLB Draft League (@mlbdraftleague) June 6, 2024
.@denielll27 launches a three-run shot 396 feet to give the @SCSpikes an early lead 🚀🚀 pic.twitter.com/cVMb6VEF6C
— MLB Draft League (@mlbdraftleague) June 28, 2024
17th round, 501st overall
Brandt Thompson, pitcher
Missouri State University, senior
5’9/180 pounds
Bats/Throws: R/R
Hometown: Eden Prairie, Minnesota
Thompson began his career with two seasons at North Iowa Area Community College, ranking eighth in school history with 112 career strikeouts.
This spring, Thompson started 16 games for Missouri State and went 5-2 with a 3.78 ERA and 75 strikeouts and 22 walks in 78 2/3 innings. He led the Missouri Valley Conference with a 1.16 WHIP, ranked second in ERA and third in strikeout-to-walk ratio (3.41) and opponent average (.234).
In his two seasons with the Bears, Thompson went 11-7 with 159 strikeouts and 49 walks in 162 innings and was an All-MVC conference selection both years (2023 and 2024).
Thompson also pitched this summer for the St. Cloud (MN) Rox of the collegiate Northwoods League. He posted a 3.00 ERA, struck out 30 and issued just two free passes in 24 innings.
.@brandtthompson4 (@MSUBearBaseball) gets three strikeouts in the third!@KrillanStudio | #RoxSolidFun pic.twitter.com/XQYMze5aQD
— St. Cloud Rox (@StCloudRox) June 29, 2024
Brandt means business 💼⚾️
What a day on the mound for @brandtthompson4 (@MSUBearBaseball), who struck out eight in five innings of one-run ball!@KrillanStudio | #RoxSolidFun pic.twitter.com/QTaWfO3cNf
— St. Cloud Rox (@StCloudRox) June 21, 2024
18th round, 531st overall
Christian Martin, shortstop
Virginia Tech University, junior
5’10/185 pounds
Bats/Throws: L/R
Hometown: Amherst, Virginia
In 54 games for the Hokies this spring, Martin batted .313 with six home runs, 16 doubles, 36 RBI and seven stolen bases. In 130 career games at Virginia Tech, the lefty hitter had a .321 average with 10 home runs, 28 doubles and 65 RBI. He stole 16 bases in 24 tries.
Martin played for the Falmouth Commodores in the Cape Cod League the last two summers. In 22 games in 2024, he slashed just .182/.400/.227/.627. Martin had four hits including a double, five walks and five strikeouts and played second base defensively.
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/WTQ3TS6AjS5gQ47s/
19th round, 561st overall
Brendan Lawson, shortstop
P27 Academy (Lexington, Kentucky), high school senior
6’3/205 pounds
Bats/Throws: L/R
Hometown: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Via the tweet below, posted during the afternoon on Tuesday, it appears that Lawson has reaffirmed his commitment to play collegiate ball for the University of Florida. Lawson relocated from Canada to South Carolina before his senior year of high school.
Lawson played for the Trenton Thunder in the 2024 MLB Draft League, posting a .344 average (11-for-32), with two RBI and a 12:10 BB:K ratio for a .533 OBP.
Flores said his scouts loved Lawson, especially his results this summer. The teen had been slowed this spring by illness and injury so “it was difficult to get a lot of looks at him.”
The 18-year-old prep star feels like a relief valve for the Cardinals in the very unlikely event that something goes wrong with signing first-rounder J.J. Wetherholt and the team has a lot of money left unspent. Most likely, Lawson will not sign with the Cardinals and head to college next month.
The scouting director readily volunteered that it would be a “very long shot to sign” Lawson.
Let’s run it 🐊 nation!!!@GatorsBB @chuck_jeroloman
— Brendan Lawson (@Brendan_lawson1) July 16, 2024
2024 Brendan Lawson takes on the monster in left field with this backside bomb! Brendan is the #1 player out of Toronto, Ontario Canada! Florida (@GatorsBB) commit@P27Blacksmiths | @PerfectGameUSA #DoubtedAthletes pic.twitter.com/ycXJoJ9pk4
— Doubted Athletes (@DoubtedAthletes) May 15, 2024
Another barrel here from Brendan Lawson, this one was smoked through the RS for a single. #PGAcademies #NAA @pg_int1 @naaconference @P27Blacksmiths @GatorsBB signee @PG_Draft https://t.co/wgIk4qFsum pic.twitter.com/C2nQXGPuli
— Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) May 16, 2024
Brendan Lawson continues to swing it well here on Day 3, makes a great adjustment here and fires one into the OF for a knock. #PGAcademies #NAA @pg_int1 @naaconference @P27Blacksmiths @GatorsBB signee @PG_Draft https://t.co/r7Jsfjx8rF pic.twitter.com/fH9W8yXTnr
— Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) May 16, 2024
20th round, 591st overall
Owen Rice, pitcher
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, junior
6’6/230 pounds
Bats/Throws: L/L
Hometown: East Troy, Wisconsin
At 6-foot-6, Rice is the tallest player selected by the Cardinals in the 2024 class. His numbers indicate both his ability to strike out batters and inability to avoid issuing free passes, hence his selection in the final round.
He appeared in 15 games (10 starts) for the Panthers during 2024, his second year with the program. Rice was third on the team with 51 strikeouts in 33 innings, but also walked 33. He posted a 6.27 ERA while holding opponents to a collective .242 batting average.
Rice pitched in seven games (five starts) during his first season at Wisconsin-Milwaukee, with a 4.76 ERA over 11 1/3 innings while striking out 14 and walking nine.
In summer ball with Burlington in the Prospect League in 2022, Rice logged a 5.19 ERA, 18 strikeouts and eight walks in 8 1/3 innings.
Rice began at McHenry County College in Illinois.
𝑪𝑯𝑬𝑫𝑫𝑨𝑹 from @owenrice21 🧀🧀🧀#ForTheMKE | #HLBASE pic.twitter.com/djPp7F4PFc
— Milwaukee Baseball (@MKE_Baseball) May 18, 2024
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Drawing: Return to Tommy Herr’s 1987 Cardinals Seat Cushion Night
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St. Louis Cardinals Select Eight in Day 2 of 2024 Draft
photo: Brian Holiday (Oklahoma State University Athletics)
The second of three days of the 2024 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft, with the St. Louis Cardinals selections’ being made by AGM/Scouting Director Randy Flores, consists of eight selections in rounds 3-10 on Monday, July 15.
St. Louis’ initial Day 2 selection is Oklahoma State right-handed pitcher Brian Holiday, MLB Pipeline’s no. 223 draft prospect.
Overall, encompassing these eight picks and the first-round selection named on Sunday, infielder J.J. Wetherholt, the Cardinals have been allocated a signing bonus total of $10,213,000, 17th most of the 30 organizations. They will almost certainly not exceed that by more than 5% as their selections are signed in the upcoming days.
See the Cardinals full 2024 Draft Day 1 details here.
Cardinals Select J.J. Wetherholt on 2024 MLB Draft’s First Day
Update: Draft day 2 summary
Overall, in the first two days, the Cardinals took four pitchers, two left-handers and two right-handers. They also added two catchers, a shortstop (in the first round), a third baseman and an outfielder (in the 10th round).
The position player script flipped from 2022/2023 to 2024. Last year, St. Louis selected four outfielders in the first two days but no infielders or catchers for the second year in a row.
Same as in 2022 and 2023, St. Louis passed over high schoolers completely, This year’s mix includes seven college juniors, a sophomore and a senior. Several may be money-saving picks amid rumors that first rounder J.J. Wetherholt may be an overslot sign.
The Big 12 was the predominant conference with six of the organization’s nine picks to date. Asked about that, Scouting Director Randy Flores said, “It is just the way it happened to be.”
I asked him about the lack of high schoolers. Flores noted, “The draft is not over.” He also said the “signability” of the prep players they were interested in “didn’t match up” with their pool plans. He also remarked that no second rounder (and associated pool allocation of $2,224,700) was a factor.
Regarding the quantity of under 6-foot players selected, Flores noted that some players can “get a lot out of their body despite their size” and that some pitchers have an advantage with a lower release point.
For more
Return to this article at The Cardinal Nation often on Monday afternoon and evening as information about all St. Louis’ day 2 draft picks will be posted shortly after they are made.
To reference the Cardinals’ new draft class on an ongoing basis here at The Cardinal Nation, each player will have a profile located on a holding team called “DRAFT UNSIGNED PLAYERS”. This can be accessed at the bottom of the drop-down menu in the red column in the left menu called “ROSTERS/PLAYERS/MOVES” or click here.
St. Louis’ selections – 2024 Draft Day 2
Third round, 80th overall
Brian Holiday, right-handed pitcher
Oklahoma State, junior
5’11/203 pounds
Bats/Throws: R/R
Hometown: Tampa, FL
The 2024 All-Big 12 selection began as a reliever at two schools before joining the Oklahoma State Cowboys, where his coach was Josh Holliday, brother of former Cardinal Matt (unrelated to Brian).
In his junior year , Holiday allowed 82 hits and 19 walks with a conference-best 128 strikeouts in 113 innings.
Sporting an old-fashioned high leg kick and 12-6 curveball, overall Holiday was 24-4 with a 2.63 ERA (253 2/3 IP), six saves, and 343 strikeouts in 55 games (33 starts) in three collegiate seasons with Oklahoma State (2024), Central Florida Junior College (2023) and Florida Southwestern State Junior College (2022).
At Central Florida, Holiday led national JUCO pitchers in strikeouts and helped his team with the Junior College World Series, from which he was named Most Outstanding Pitcher.
Holiday’s best pitch is a slider. His fastball is 91-93 mph. The 21-year-old is deceptive with good command and mound presence. He projects as a backend starter or middle reliever.
Flores called Holiday “competitive, intriguing and compelling”, saying that he “gained momentum and continued to improve”.
The pool amount for this pick is $964,500. So, given his 223rd ranking per MLB Pipeline, this looks to be a money-saving pick by the Cardinals.
Fourth round, 109th overall
Ryan Campos, catcher
Arizona State University, junior
5’8, 190 pounds
Bats/Throws: L/R
Hometown: Mesa, Arizona
The left-handed hitter is known for average over power. He has good leadership skills, but is considered fringy behind the plate.
In his junior campaign at Arizona State this spring, Campos slashed .364/.461/.610/1.071 with 11 home runs and 56 RBI in 58 games. He reached base in 137 of 147 career games, including 57 of 58 contests in 2024. His career .369 batting average as a Sun Devil was tops among all Division I catchers.
Campos was twice named to the Pac-12 First Team, in both his sophomore and junior seasons.
Flores admitted the term is hard to define, but called Campos “a baseball player, well rounded.” He noted it can be difficult to ascertain how much game calling experience a catcher has, but through their interviews, Campos knew the “pulse of his staff” and “he has always hit.”
The pool amount for this pick is $669,300. Again, at the number 176 draft eligible player per MLB Pipeline, Campos may be a budget-saving selection for the Cardinals.
Fifth round, 142nd overall
Braden Davis, left handed pitcher
University of Oklahoma, junior
5’11, 180 pounds
Bats/Throws: L/L
Hometown: Keller, Texas
After being a successful reliever as a freshman and sophomore at Sam Houston State, Davis transferred to Oklahoma, where he became an All-Big 12 starting pitcher as the Sooners’ Friday night starter.
In 92 innings in his junior year, Davis posted a 4.30 ERA with a team-best 117 strikeouts that ranked 17th in the nation. He held opposing batters to .208 average and issued 41 walks. Davis earned 2024 All-Big 12 First Team and Big 12 All-Tournament Team honors.
Over his career, Davis went 14-9 with a 3.86 ERA (in 154 innings) and 198 strikeouts in 51 games (16 starts) between Oklahoma and Sam Houston State.
Davis’ change-up is his best pitch with good fading action. His fastball is in the low-90’s, topping out at 95 mph, along with a slider. He is projected as a major league lefty reliever.
Flores said, “It’s always nice to get a left-hander.” The scouting director noted that Davis has “sneaky deception and throws strikes.”
The pool amount for this pick is $485,700. Davis was not ranked among MLB Pipeline’s top 250 draft prospects.
Sixth round, 171st overall
Josh Kross, catcher
University of Cincinnati, junior
6’2, 226 pounds
Bats/Throws: B/R
Hometown: Brunswick, Ohio
When the selection of Kross was announced, neither Jonathan Mayo or Jim Callis initially had any information on the Cardinals’ second catcher taken in their first five picks. MLB also had no graphic prepared about Kross.
Kross is an offense-first switch-hitting catcher who can also play first base. In 2024, he was second in the Big 12 in home runs and RBI (notice the early Cardinals concentration on this conference). Kross’ defense is not considered to be as advanced as his offense.
He began at Eastern Michigan before joining the Bearcats for the 2024 season. In his junior year with Cincinnati, Kross batted .317 with 19 home runs, 65 RBI, 14 doubles, 50 runs scored, a .638 slugging percentage, and he absorbed 26 hit-by-pitches!
This season, Kross was named First-Team All-Big 12 and ABCA/Rawlings All-Region.
This summer pre-draft, Kross played for the Keene Swamp Bats of the the New England Collegiate Baseball League. There, he hit .340 with three long balls and 21 RBI in just 12 games.
Flores praised Kross’ bat-to-ball skills from both sides of the plate. He noted the Cardinals were “looking for upside in the sixth round” and catching skills can be improved in terms of framing and receiving.
The pool amount for this pick is $369,100.
Seventh round, 201st overall
Andrew Dutkanych, right handed pitcher
Vanderbilt University, sophomore
6’3, 230 pounds
Bats/Throws: R/R
Hometown: Indianapolis, Indiana
The right-hander is a draft-eligible sophomore and because the Cardinals selected him, he is expected to be signable.
Dutkanych’s best pitch is his 92-94 mph fastball. He also throws a mid-80’s power slider and his curveball and changeup are developing.
The 20-year-old has been slowed by injuries at Vandy, appearing in just nine games, throwing just 17 innings over two years. He was slowed by a hamstring injury in 2023 and underwent Tommy John surgery this March.
In other words, Dutkanych is a high-upside, relatively low-risk gamble by the Cardinals. He has the talent or he wouldn’t have been a Commodore, considered one of the best programs in the country. In fact, Baseball Reference ranked him as the 35th-best draft eligible player in the 2022 draft, but he chose to join Vanderbilt.
In his post Day 2 remarks, Flores reminded us that Dutkanych was considered a “top 50-100 prospect out of high school.”
The pool amount for this pick is $288,700.
Eighth round, 231st overall
Jack Findlay, left handed pitcher
University of Notre Dame, junior
6’3, 220 pounds
Bats/Throws: L/L
Hometown: Ledgewood, New Jersey
As a freshman in 2022, Findlay made 12 relief appearances and eight starts. He logged a solid 2.17 ERA, 6-2 record and four saves through 49 2/3 innings with 54 strikeouts.
In 2023, he made five starts and five relief outings with a 4-2 record and 3.79 ERA over 40 1/3 innings. Findlay struck out 54 and only walked 11 batters. However, he required Tommy John surgery that April and did not appear in 2024.
Given the timing of normal TJS recovery, Findlay should be ready to go soon, making this yet another upside play for the Cardinals.
The big, physical lefty has a slider and a big-breaking curve. Findlay also has a low 90s fastball that touches 93-94 mph.
Regarding taking apparent risks with the seventh and eighth round TJS picks, Flores said that Findlay is “further along” than Dutkanych and scouts watched Findlay throwing both prior to and during the recent combine.
Flores noted that Findlay had an almost 30% strikeout rate in 2023 and “pitchers with starter profiles begin to run out earlier than the seventh and eighth rounds.”
The scouting director labeled the two as having “great opportunity profiles later in the draft.”
The pool amount for this pick is $229,000.
Ninth round, 261st overall
Cade McGee, third base
Texas Tech University, junior
6’1, 195 pounds
Bats/Throws: R/R
Hometown: Tucson, Arizona
McGee, 21, began his college career with two seasons at Gonzaga, where he was the West Coast Conference Freshman of the Year. He transferred to Texas Tech for his 2024 junior season.
This season, the right-handed hitter slashed .282/.450/.580/1.030 with 15 home runs and 55 RBI in 57 games for the Red Raiders. Continuing an interesting theme in this class, McGee was hit by 23 pitches in 2024 when he was an All-Big 12 honorable mention.
Considered a good defender, McGee had a .944 fielding percentage with eight errors and 97 assists at the hot corner.
Over his three seasons, McGee has a line of .291/.424/.552/.976 with 31 home runs, 30 doubles, 106 RBI in 132 career games.
McGee went on to play in the Cape Cod League this summer, but did not impress with the bat, hitting .185 with a .594 OPS in 18 games.
Per MLB Pipeline, McGee could develop into having 15-20 home run power in the majors.
The pool amount for this pick is $198,000.
10th round, 291st overall
Bryce Madron, outfielder
University of Oklahoma, senior
5’8/181 pounds
Bats/Throws: L/L
Hometown: Blanchard, Oklahoma
The Cardinals returned to the Oklahoma Sooners with their first senior pick of 2024. Madron is undersized and is probably limited to the corners because he is a fringy runner. The left-handed hitter controls the strike zone well, so can take a walk and is a gap-to-gap hitter.
The 23-year-old began his college years with two seasons at Cowley Community College in Kansas. Between his two years with the Sooners, Madron was very consistent, slashing .319/.459/.593/1.052 in 115 games. He hit 24 home runs, drove in 104 and stole 29 bases in 2023 and 2024.
Along with 2024 fifth-rounder Braden Davis, Madron is the fourth Sooner to be selected by St. Louis in the last three MLB Drafts. They join infielder Dakota Harris (11th round 2023) and catcher Jimmy Crooks (fourth round 2022).
The pool amount for this pick is $185,000.
What is next?
Check back at The Cardinal Nation on Tuesday for details of Day 3 of the 2024 MLB First-Year Player Draft.
Earlier article
Cardinals Select J.J. Wetherholt on 2024 MLB Draft’s First Day
Exclusively for members of The Cardinal Nation
Now Available – 2024 Cardinals Prospect Guide
The Cardinal Nation Prospect Guide is back for its seventh year. It includes 282 pages of in-depth commentary about the very best St. Louis Cardinals minor leaguers, including dozens of all-new player scouting reports. Order your PDF or printed book copy today!
All paid members can purchase our Prospect Guide PDF at 50% off. Thank you for your support of The Cardinal Nation!
Not yet a member?
Join The Cardinal Nation for the most comprehensive coverage of the St. Louis Cardinals from the majors through the entire minor league system.
Brian Walton can be reached via email at brian@thecardinalnation.com. Follow Brian on X/Twitter.
© 2024 The Cardinal Nation, thecardinalnation.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
St. Louis Cardinals Major League Notebook – July 8-14
photo: Alec Burleson (Kevin Jairaj/USA TODAY Sports)
Heading into the break, the St. Louis Cardinals went a disappointing 3-4 last week, but are only 4 ½ games out of first. Alec Burleson has been leading the offense. Our history feature highlights “rare feats” by Cardinals during the past week in prior years.
Cardinals pick West Virginia infielder in the first round of the draft
The 2024 MLB Draft began on Sunday night. Day 1 included the first two rounds plus competitive balance and compensation rounds. The final rounds will take place on Monday and Tuesday.
The Cardinals had only one pick Sunday because they lost their second round pick due to the signing of Sonny Gray, who had received a qualifying offer from the Minnesota Twins. The Cardinals were not due any picks in either the competitive balance or compensation rounds.
The Cardinals had the seventh selection, the highest they have picked since adding J.D. Drew in the first round (5th pick) in the 1998 draft.
The player selected by the Cardinals was J.J. Wetherholt, a college SS/2B from the University of West Virginia. The 21-year-old is a switch hitter. Before the draft, Wetherholt was the No. 4 draft prospect or better, depending on the source.
Wetherholt was graded by some scouts as “the best pure hitter in the draft”. His profile includes a low strikeout rate, a high walk rate and the national batting title in 2023.
His college career included eight All-American selections, and he was named West Virginia’s first Big 12 Player of the Year. The former teammate of Victor Scott is the highest drafted player in the West Virginia program’s history.
Wetherholt’s 2024 season was marred by a hamstring injury which caused him to miss 24 games. Nevertheless, he ended the season with a .331 batting average with eight home runs, 30 RBI and a team leading .472 OBP.
Let us all welcome J.J. Wetherholt to the Cardinals family.
For more information:
Cardinals Select J.J. Wetherholt on 2024 MLB Draft’s First Day
Game recaps
Monday, July 8, 2024 – Cardinals 6 at Nationals 0
On Monday, the St. Louis Cardinals blanked the Nationals in a 6-0 win to close out the road trip. Starter Miles Mikolas pitched 6 1/3 scoreless innings, allowed six hits and struck out three to earn his seventh win of the season.
Andrew Kittredge relieved Mikolas and threw 1 1/3 scoreless innings. JoJo Romero tossed the final 1 1/3 scoreless innings.
The Cardinals took a 1-0 lead in the third inning. Nolan Gorman and Michael Siani singled. Alec Burleson grounded into a force out. As Siani was thrown out at second, Gorman scored.
A solo home run by Paul Goldschmidt increased the lead to 2-0 in the fourth. In the eighth inning, the Cardinals extended the lead to 4-0. Burleson thumped a solo home run. Goldschmidt reached on an error and came home on a double by Brendan Donovan.
The Cardinals topped off the score with two final runs in the ninth for the 6-0 win. Gorman and Siani singled. Siani stole second base. With Gorman on third and Siani on second, both came home on Burleson’s single.
The Cardinals scored six runs on 11 hits. Burleson was 2-for-5 with three RBI. Goldschmidt was 2-for-5 with an RBI and two runs scored. Donovan was 2-for-4 with an RBI. Gorman was 2-for-4 with two runs scored. Siani was 2-for-4.
On the bases, Siani stole his 10th base of the season.
Tuesday, July 9, 2024 – Cardinals vs. Royals (postponed)
Wednesday, July 10, 2024 – Cardinals 4, Royals 6 (Game 1)
The Cardinals fell to the Royals in the first game of a twin bill on Wednesday. This game was Tuesday’s originally scheduled contest. Starter Andre Pallante pitched 6 1/3 innings, gave up four runs on six hits and struck out five.
Chris Roycroft relieved Pallante and surrendered two runs in 1 2/3 innings. Giovanny Gallegos tossed a scoreless ninth.
The Cardinals went up 1-0 in the second inning on a solo home run by Nolan Arenado. They increased the lead to 3-0 on a two-run home run by Alec Burleson.
The Royals came back to tie the game in the fifth. They took the lead 4-3 in the sixth and increased the lead to 6-3 in the eighth.
A solo home run by Paul Goldschmidt in the ninth reduced the final score to 6-4.
St. Louis scored four runs on six hits. Arenado was 2-for-4 with an RBI and was the only Cardinal with multiple hits. Burleson had two RBI.
Wednesday, July 10, 2024 – Cardinals 5, Royals 8 (Game 2)
The Cardinals were swept by the Royals as they also lost the second game of the twin bill. Starter Gordon Graceffo, called up from Memphis for the game, pitched 3 1/3 innings, gave up three runs on four hits and struck out two.
Matthew Liberatore relieved Graceffo and surrendered three runs in 1 2/3 innings. Ryan Fernandez yielded one in 1 1/3 innings. John King tossed the final 1 2/3 scoreless innings.
The Cardinals went ahead in the second inning on a solo home run by Lars Nootbaar.
The Royals tied the game in the third and added two runs in the fourth to lead 3-1. St. Louis answered with one run in the home half fourth to cut the lead to 3-2. Nootbaar doubled and scored on a ground-rule double by Nolan Gorman.
The Royals responded with two runs in the top of the fifth to increase the lead to 5-2. The Cardinals added two runs in the bottom of the fifth to close the gap to 5-4. Willson Contreras singled. Alec Burleson plated Contreras on a double. Burleson came home on a single by Paul Goldschmidt.
The Royals added single runs in the sixth and seventh to widen their lead to 7-4. The Cardinals scored their final run in the home seventh. Dylan Carlson singled. Brendan Donovan doubled. Contreras drove in Carlson on ground out.
Kansas City put up an insurance run in the ninth to win 8-5.
The Cardinals scored five runs on 10 hits. Nootbaar was 2-for-4 with an RBI. Donovan was 2-for-5.
Thursday July 11, 2024 – Off day
Friday, July 12, 2024 – Cardinals 1, Cubs 5
On Friday, the Cardinals were defeated by the Cubs in the first game of four over the weekend at Busch Stadium. St. Louis juggled the rotation so Sonny Gray could start the opener of this important series, but it didn’t work due to the sputtering offense. Gray pitched seven innings, gave up three runs on nine hits and struck out six.
Chris Roycroft relieved Gray and surrendered two runs in 2/3 of an inning. John King collected one out. Giovanny Gallegos tossed a scoreless ninth.
The Cubs took a 1-0 lead in the third inning and added another run in the fourth. In the seventh, Chicago increased the lead to 3-0 and they made it 5-0 in the eighth.
The Cardinals scored their only run of the game in the ninth. Masyn Winn drew a walk. Willson Contreras walked. Paul Goldschmidt plated Winn on a single.
The offense scored one run on six hits. Lars Nootbaar was 2-for-4 and was the only Cardinal with multiple hits.
On the bases, Alec Burleson was caught stealing.
Saturday, July 13, 2024 – Cardinals 11, Cubs 3 (Game 1)
The Cardinals blew out the Cubs in the first game of the doubleheader on Saturday. Starter Lance Lynn pitched six innings, gave up two runs on five hits, struck out six and walked two to earn his fifth win of the season.
Matthew Liberatore relieved Lynn and threw a scoreless seventh. The 27th man for the day, Kyle Leahy, surrendered one run in the final two innings.
The Cubs went up 1-0 in the first inning. The Cardinals roared out of the gate in the home half first to pummel the Cubs with nine runs. Masyn Winn singled. Alec Burleson singled, advancing Winn to third. Willson Contreras drove in Winn on a single. Lars Nootbaar reached on fielder’s choice and Burleson scored. Nolan Arenado reached on a fielder’s choice. Brendan Donovan reached on an error, sending Contreras home. Michael Siani was hit by a pitch and Nootbaar scored. Winn plated Arenado and Donovan on a single. Burleson followed with a three-run home run.
St. Louis added a 10th run in the second inning. Arenado and Donovan singled. Arenado came home on a single by Pedro Pagés.
The Cubs scored their second run in the top of the fourth. St. Louis answered with a run in the home fourth to lead 11-2. Arenado walked and came home on a double by Nolan Gorman.
Chicago managed a final run in the ninth to bring the final score to 11-3.
The Cardinals scored 11 runs on 13 hits. Burleson was 3-for-4 with three RBI and two runs scored. Winn was 2-for-5 with two RBI and two runs scored. Contreras was 2-for-4 with an RBI.
Saturday, July 13, 2024 – Cardinals 5, Cubs 4 (Game 2)
The Cardinals squeezed out a win at the back end of the second game of the doubleheader for a sweep. Starter Kyle Gibson pitched four innings, gave up four runs on 10 hits, struck out three and walked two.
John King relieved Gibson and threw two scoreless innings. Andrew Kittredge hurled 1 1/3 scoreless innings. JoJo Romero earned his fourth win with 2/3 of a scoreless inning. Ryan Helsley tossed a scoreless ninth for his MLB-leading 32nd save.
The Cardinals went up 2-0 in the first inning as Masyn Winn and Willson Contreras hit solo home runs.
The Cubs came back in the top of the second to steal the lead at 4-2. St. Louis scored one run in the home half second to cut the gap to 4-3. Matt Carpenter singled. Nolan Gorman drew a walk. Winn singled and Carpenter was thrown out at home. Alec Burleson plated Gorman on a sac fly.
The Cardinals rallied in the eighth for two runs that gave them a 5-4 lead and the win. Contreras walked. Paul Goldschmidt thumped a ground-rule double. Nolan Arenado drove in Contreras and Goldschmidt on a single.
The Cardinals scored five runs on 11 hits. Arenado was 2-for-4 with two RBI. Winn was 2-for-4 with an RBI. Goldschmidt was 2-for-4.
Sunday, July 14, 2024 – Cardinals 3, Cubs 8
The Cardinals had to settle for a home series split by losing an ugly game to the Cubs on the final day before the All-Star break. Starter Miles Mikolas did not pitch well, as he gave up four home runs. The right hander pitched 5 1/3 innings, gave up a total of six runs on eight hits and struck out two. Mikolas took the loss, his eighth of the season.
Ryan Fernandez relieved Mikolas and threw 1 1/3 scoreless innings. Matthew Liberatore secured the final out of the seventh. Andrew Kittredge surrendered two runs on two more home runs in the eighth. Chris Roycroft tossed a scoreless ninth.
The Cardinals took a 2-0 lead in the second inning. Brendan Donovan and Nolan Arenado singled. Pedro Pagés drove in Donovan and Arenado on a single.
The Cubs quickly tied the game in the third. They added two runs each in the fifth and sixth to lead 6-2.
St. Louis added a run in the home sixth on a solo home run by Alec Burleson. Chicago ran up the score to 8-3 in the eighth.
The offense scored three runs on eight hits. Burleson was 2-for-4 with an RBI. Arenado was 2-for-4. Donovan was 3-for-3. Pagés had two RBI.
On the bases, Donovan stole his third base of the season.
The Big Picture
The Cardinals ended this final week before the All-Star break with a disappointing 3-4 record. They played two double headers, one with the Royals and one with the Cubs. The one with the Cubs was set in advance, but the Royals twin bill resulted from Tuesday’s rain out.
The Cardinals lost both games to the Royals and split the four games with the Cubs. The other win last week was the finale of the four-game series in Washington that ended on Monday.
St. Louis remains in second place in the NL Central, 4.5 games behind Milwaukee. Their record is 50-46.
This week, the weakness was not the offense but the pitching. The offense scored 35 runs in their seven games, but their run differential remains high because the pitching gave up 34 runs.
Only two players had an OPS over .900 this past week. Dylan Carlson made the most of his three at bats for an OPS of 1.334. Alec Burleson had an OPS of 1.228 in 28 at bats.
The next closest were Brendan Donovan (.895), Paul Goldschmidt (.840), and Willson Contreras (.838). At the low end was Brandon Crawford (.143). Everyone else had an OPS between .500 and .800.
The pitching this week was not the best. On the positive side, Sonny Gray had an ERA of 3.38 and Lance Lynn had an ERA of 3.00 over the last seven days. The rest were Miles Mikolas (4.63), Andre Pallante (5.68), Gordon Graceffo (8.10) and Kyle Gibson (9.00).
Graceffo was called up for one start because of the two sets of doubleheaders. He was immediately sent back down afterward. Both Gibson and Graceffo were out before the fifth inning. Mikolas had two starts, one good and the other a disaster. Mikolas gave up four home runs in his final start against the Cubs.
The bullpen hiccups included Andrew Kittredge (5.79), who gave up two home runs in the same game Mikolas gave up four long balls. Matthew Liberatore (9.00) and Chris Roycroft (10.80) rounded out the relief stumblers.
The only bright spot for this past week is that the Brewers played worse.
The best thing that can be said is the All-Star break couldn’t have come at a better time. They can only hope the four days rest for everyone except lone All-Star Ryan Helsley will set things right.
The first series after the break is in Atlanta (53-42), followed by three in Pittsburgh (48-48).
NL Central Standings
| Team | W | L | Pct | GB |
| Milwaukee | 55 | 52 | 0.567 | |
| St. Louis | 50 | 46 | 0.521 | 4.5 |
| Pittsburgh | 48 | 48 | 0.500 | 6.5 |
| Cincinnati | 47 | 50 | 0.485 | 8 |
| Chicago | 47 | 51 | 0.480 | 8.5 |
Trade and Acquisition Rumors
Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic and Foul Territory discussed some potential deadline deals that the Cardinals could make last week. Rosenthal suggested that catcher Iván Herrera and outfielder Dylan Carlson may be pieces the Cardinals would be willing to offer in a trade.
Herrera has recently been activated from the injured list and optioned to Memphis. In the past, he had been considered the heir apparent to Yadier Molina, but the acquisition of Willson Contreras sent Herrera to the backup catcher chair. Herrera hit well but could not throw out opposing basestealers. Now, the team favors defensively oriented Pedro Pagés in the backup role, seemingly making Herrera superfluous.
Carlson, once considered one of the Cardinals’ top prospects, has also fallen out of favor due to several seasons of injury and subpar offensive performance. Rosenthal sees Carlson as a “change of scenery” move for the Cardinals.
Transactions
- 7/8 The Cardinals optioned IF José Fermín to the Memphis Redbirds.
- 7/8 The Cardinals activated OF Lars Nootbaar from the 10-day injured list.
- 7/9 The Cardinals sent IF/OF Tommy Edman on a rehab assignment to the Springfield Cardinals.
- 7/10 The Cardinals recalled RHP Gordon Graceffo from the Memphis Redbirds as the 27th man for the doubleheader.
- 7/11 The Cardinals optioned RHP Gordon Graceffo to the Memphis Redbirds.
- 7/12 The Cardinals activated C Iván Herrera and optioned him to the Memphis Redbirds.
- 7/13 The Cardinals recalled RHP Kyle Leahy from the Memphis Redbirds as the 27th man for the doubleheader.
- 7/14 The Cardinals optioned RHP Kyle Leahy to the Memphis Redbirds
Injury Report
- CF Tommy Edman (arthroscopic wrist surgery) was transferred to the 60-day injured list from the 15-day injured list on May 6. Edman has started a rehab assignment with the Springfield Cardinals that should continue well after the break.
- RHP Keynan Middleton (right forearm strain) was transferred from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day injured list on June 22. Middleton underwent season ending forearm surgery. The right hander will not throw a pitch for the Cardinals this season.
- LHP Drew Rom (left bicep tendinitis and left shoulder surgery) was transferred from the 15-day injured list to the 60 day-injured list on April 30. Rom underwent left shoulder surgery. The left hander is expected to be out until at least September.
- RHP Riley O’Brien (right forearm flexor strain) was transferred from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day injured list on May 10. O’Brien has been throwing and is close to starting a rehab period with Springfield.
- LHP Steven Matz (lower back strain) was transferred from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day injured list on June 28. Matz was cleared to begin throwing on July 4. Matz is expected to be out until August.
- OF Lars Nootbaar (left oblique strain) was activated from the 10-day injured list.
- C Iván Herrera (lower back tightness) was placed on the 10-day injured list retroactive to June 19. Herrera completed his rehab assignment and was optioned to Memphis.
- CF Michael Siani (left elbow contusion) was hit by a pitch in the first game of the doubleheader on Saturday. Siani was kept out of the lineup through the remainder of the Cubs series. Siani is considered day to day.
Looking Ahead
Following Ryan Helsley’s All-Star Game appearance, the first series after the break is against the Braves in Atlanta. The Cardinals then return to Pittsburgh for a series with the Pirates.
After a travel day on Thursday, July 25, the Cardinals take on the Nationals again at Busch Stadium. The final series in July is three games with the Texas Rangers in St. Louis.
The month of August begins at Wrigley Field for a four-game series with the Cubs. The Cardinals return to St. Louis to play a rain makeup game with the Mets on Monday, August 5. Next will be three games against the Tampa Bay Rays.
The team leaves for a road trip following the Rays series. The Cardinals face the Royals in Kansas City for two games on August 9-10 to complete the home and home season series. They then travel to Cincinnati for three with the Reds.
After a travel day, the Cardinals have a weekend series at Busch Stadium with the Dodgers on August 16-18.
Blast from the Past
Last week’s Blast from the Past debuted a new feature that showcases rare feats accomplished by Cardinals in the history of the franchise. This week we continue with three more rare feats accomplished by Cardinals. In a twist, two of the three rare feats belonged to the same player in different seasons. Both players showcased here played for the Cardinals in the first half of the 20th Century.
A rare feat has been defined as one of the following: (1) a pitcher or pitchers throwing a no-hitter; (2) A batter hitting for the cycle, which is hitting at least one single, one double, one triple, and one home run in a single game; (3) A batter recording six hits in one game; (4) a player, either a position player or a pitcher, hitting a home run in their first major league at bat; and (5) a player hitting three or more home runs in a single game.
During the period July 8 through 14, the following rare feats are featured. For each rare feat, the type of feat, the date it occurred, and some details of each occurrence are listed below.
Johnny Mize – First baseman Mize played for the Cardinals from 1935-1941. His rare feat was hitting for the cycle on July 13, 1940. The Cardinals were playing a doubleheader against the New York Giants at Sportsman’s Park.
In the first game, the Cardinals beat the Giants 7-6. Mize was the cleanup hitter. The cycle proceeded as follows. In the bottom of the third inning Mize hit a solo home run to right field for the first run for St. Louis.
Mize came to bat in the bottom of the fifth and doubled to right field. He was left stranded. In the bottom of the seventh, Mize singled for an RBI. In his last at bat in the bottom of the ninth, Mize tripled to center and scored on an error for the winning run.
Mize, a Hall of Famer, still holds the franchise record for most home runs in a season by a left-handed batter, most RBI in a season for a lefty, and most games with three or more home runs. (This is the hint for his other rare feat).
Jim Bottomley – Like Mize, Bottomley was a first baseman and future Hall of Famer. He played for the Cardinals from 1922-1932 and afterward with the St. Louis Browns, for whom he later managed.
Nicknamed “Sunny Jim” for his sunny disposition, Bottomley’s rare feat was also hitting for the cycle. His cycle occurred on July 14, 1927, in a 9-7 win over the Phillies at the Baker Bowl.
The cleanup hitter’s cycle began with a single to center field in the first inning. No run scored.
Bottomley singled to center again in the fourth with the same outcome. He led off the sixth inning with a double to right and scored on a single by Billy Southworth.
In the next inning, Bottomley hit a home run to right. Then in the ninth, Bottomley completed the cycle with a triple to center. He later scored on a fielder’s choice.
In other notable feats, Bottomley set a major league record in 1924 by driving in 12 runs in a single game. This is also considered a rare feat and could be featured in another installment at some point, but it occurred much later in the season. He had six hits in a game twice.
Johnny Mize – The second rare feat by Mize during this period was hitting three home runs in a game. Like Bottomley, Mize performed this rare feat more than once. In fact, he did it six times, so look to possibly see his name pop up in future installments. Four of these six times occurred while he was a Cardinal.
This rare feat occurred on July 13, 1938 against the Boston Bees. The Bees were not an earlier version of the Red Sox, as one might think. The Bees were in existence for only six seasons, and eventually became the Boston Braves, then moved to Milwaukee and are today in Atlanta.
The game against the Bees was a 10-5 loss played at Sportsman’s Park. Mize was hitting fifth. He hit his first long ball, a two-run shot, in the fourth inning. It was preceded by a single from cleanup hitter Joe “Ducky” Medwick.
The second home run, a solo shot, was in the sixth. In the eighth, he hit another two-run home run, again following a single from Medwick.
Some notable facts about Mize include his two nicknames “Big Jawn” and “The Big Cat”. Both nicknames reportedly arose for his fielding at first base.
Mize served in World War II after he was traded to the New York Giants in 1941. He once sued a baseball card company for using his image without permission. Mize lost the suit, but the company stopped producing the card.
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Cardinals Select J.J. Wetherholt on 2024 MLB Draft’s First Day
photo: J.J. Wetherholt (University of West Virginia)
The St. Louis Cardinals named their lone selection on Day 1 of the 2024 First-Year Player Draft, encompassing the first two rounds. Reactions from first rounder J.J. Wetherholt and scouting director Randy Flores follow.
The first two rounds of the 20-round 2024 Major League Baseball First-Year Player draft were held on Sunday evening, July 14 in Arlington, Texas. For the fourth year, the draft is reduced to 20 rounds and held a month later than traditionally, now as part of MLB’s All-Star Weekend.
By virtue of their dismal 2023 season, the St. Louis Cardinals received the seventh overall selection in the first round via the lottery. It is their earliest selection since they took J.D. Drew fifth in 1997.
However, for the second consecutive year, the Cardinals forfeited their second rounder (which would have been no. 42 with associated pool money of $2,224,700) plus the loss of $500,000 international cap space for the signing free agent Sonny Gray during the off-season.
In compensation, Gray’s former club, the Minnesota Twins, received the 33rd overall selection. This comp pick, at the end of the first round, has an associated slot bonus of $2,766,100.
As a result, St. Louis has just one selection in the first 79 picks in this draft, their only Sunday night pick. (Their third rounder will be no. 80 overall.) In contrast, the Diamondbacks, Brewers and Twins each have four picks on Sunday alone, all to be made before the Cardinals can take their second player.
The Cardinals organization’s eight picks in the third through 10th rounds will be made on Monday, starting at 2:00 p.m. Eastern time. The final 10 selections (rounds 11-20) will be unveiled starting at 2:00 p.m. ET Tuesday. Both days’ proceedings will be streamed live by MLB.com.
The Cardinals have been assigned a pool total of $10,213,000 to cover the signing bonuses for their nine players selected in the first 10 rounds plus any bonuses greater than $150,000 for draftees selected in rounds 11-20. Due to the loss of the second-round allocation, St. Louis’ total is just 17th of the 30 teams in 2024.
To reference the Cardinals’ new draft class on an ongoing basis here at The Cardinal Nation, each player will have a profile located on a holding team called “DRAFT UNSIGNED PLAYERS”. This can be accessed at the bottom of the drop-down menu in the red column in the left menu called “ROSTERS/PLAYERS/MOVES” or click here.
St. Louis’ selection – 2024 draft day 1
First round, seventh overall – J.J. Wetherholt, SS/2B
University of West Virginia
5’10, 190 pounds
Bats: Left
Throws: Right
Hometown: Mars, PA
The Cardinals had to be absolutely delighted when one of the top players, if not the top player, in the draft was still available when their first pick came up.
Coming into the draft, Wetherholt was ranked as the number one eligible prospect according to Fangraphs, third per Baseball America and The Athletic and fourth at MLB Pipeline.
Baseball America’s most recent mock draft had Wetherholt going to the Cleveland Guardians as the number one pick. Recurring hamstring issues that caused him to miss 24 of 60 games and play often as designated hitter in 2024 may have contributed to Wetherholt’s falling to the Cardinals at number seven.
The left-handed hitter is known for his ability to drive balls to all fields with authority and demonstrating excellent pitch recognition.
The 22-year-old’s bat to ball skills are evidenced by his NCAA-leading .449 batting average in 2023. That dropped to “just” .331 in 2024. Wetherholt is a base-stealing threat with his 36 stolen bases tops in the Big 12 in 2023, when the then-sophomore was the conference Player of the Year.
Wetherholt, a Pittsburgh-area native, played three seasons for the Mountaineers, slashing .370/.468/.625/1.093 with 29 home runs, 49 doubles, 129 RBI, 148 runs and a 1:1 strikeout-to-walk ratio with 82 walks in 145 career games.
TC Calhoun was the Cardinals area drafting scout.
The pool amount for this pick is $6,823,700.
Randy Flores comments
Cardinals assistant general manager/director of scouting Randy Flores spoke with the media via Zoom shortly after the selection was made Sunday evening. As one would expect, he said the organization is “very, very excited” to land Wetherholt.
“Looking at his batting line and the back of the baseball card is that he’s hit and he’s always hit,” Flores said. “What was impressive to our scouting group this summer was that he did it against the best competition and he did it while nursing some soreness.
“Often times in this day and age, it’s natural that players only want to play when they are 100 percent. But even though he was limited physically this summer, he was taking at bats and DHing.
“All indications are that he is ready to go and start playing,” Flores said. The scouting director declared that Wetherholt will begin his professional career at shortstop, but also emphasized that the organization values his versatility.
I asked Wetherholt if he had any indications that he might be asked to play less in the field initially and more at designated hitter in 2024 given the long college season and his earlier injuries. He replied that he has no knowledge of that yet, but earlier said, “My hamstring is good. I’m really healthy now.”
First pick comments
Wetherholt, a 2022 WVU teammate of Memphis outfielder Victor Scott, offered his opening remarks as a Cardinal on Sunday evening, via Zoom as well.
“I am super blessed and super excited to be a Cardinal and I can’t wait to get started,” he said.
“It’s a baseball city, they’re winners and I’m super excited to join the family,” Wetherholt said. “I know that they’ve got a great staff and a great farm system, and I know that they’re going to make me a better player. So, I’m as super excited to go there as they are to have me.”
His full media comments follow. (Note the Q&A begins about 2:00 minutes in, so skip ahead.)
@Cardinals let’s go!!!!
— JJ Wetherholt (@jj_wetherholt) July 15, 2024
What is next?
Check back at The Cardinal Nation for details of Days 2 and 3 of the 2024 MLB First-Year Player Draft.
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The Cardinal Nation Interview – Florida Complex League Cardinals Manager Roberto Espinoza
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Cardinals Promote Minor League Relief Pair
With Memphis reliever Kyle Leahy spending Saturday, July 13 with St. Louis as the 27th player in their doubleheader with the Chicago Cubs, the St. Louis Cardinals organization provided a backfill for the Triple-A Redbirds and one for Double-A Springfield, too.
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Iván Herrera Returns, but with Memphis
As the Triple-A rehab period for Iván Herrera ended, the St. Louis Cardinals decided to leave the catcher there, optioning him to Memphis on Friday, July 12.
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Wednesdays With Walton and Newberry – July 10, 2024
photo: Hagen Smith (University of Arkansas Athletics)
The Cardinal Nation’s Brian Walton is joined by scouting analyst Blake Newberry for a weekly discussion of St. Louis Cardinals news, with a focus on player development and the minor leagues.
Our podcasts are quick hitting and timely, covering a short list of current topics in 15-20 minutes. More information on everything we discuss can be found in articles here at The Cardinal Nation.
This week, Brian and Blake hold their final pre-draft review, discussing a variety of players connected to the Cardinals and the seventh overall selection per various industry mock drafts. Players include Hagen Smith, Chase Burns, Braden Montgomery, Bryce Rainer, Nick Kurtz, J.J. Wetherholt and at least one dark horse.
Notes
Due to next week’s draft, we will not have a July 17 episode, but we will be back with a bang on the 24th with our first cut as to where the new draft picks will slot into The Cardinal Nation’s Top 50 Prospect List.
All video of episodes of the return of Wednesday With Walton and Newberry at The Cardinal Nation can be found here.
The audio is also simulcast each week via the Scoops Sports Network on your favorite podcast apps.
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Cardinals Minors Transactions Center on Injured Lists
Across the St. Louis Cardinals system on Tuesday, July 9, two pitchers returned to the injured list as two hitters came off. One infielder is promoted to replace one released and a major leaguer is set to take his first action of 2024.
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2024 Cardinals Starting Pitching – Results Over Innings Eating
photo: Sonny Gray (Jim Rassol/USA TODAY Sports)
Perhaps surprisingly, the St. Louis Cardinals’ 2024 rotation isn’t yet eating more innings than did the 2023 group, but the results have been much better, so does it matter?
It has been repeated so often that we’ve come to accept it. The St. Louis Cardinals added three “innings eaters” during the off-season to stabilize the rotation and relieve pressure on the bullpen.
There is no doubt that the trio of Sonny Gray, Kyle Gibson and Lance Lynn have driven better results from the starting rotation. Specifically, the starters’ ERA is about 0.80 better year to year to date.
A major contributing factor is a bullpen that is improved from 2023 even more than the rotation.
The following graphic generated an in-depth discussion at The Cardinal Nation’s free forum. As you can see, the innings pitched by the bullpen (and therefore the rotation, as well) are comparable from year to year (though again, the results are markedly better).
Point: It seems the Cardinals have used fewer starters this year than last.
Not so. To date in 2024, St. Louis has called upon eight different starting pitchers, when last season at this time, they had deployed just seven.
However, 2023 was two very different seasons in one, with major roster changes for the final two months. The relative stability of the rotation was the area most affected.
Of course, a key reason new starters were needed was that two pretty good ones, impending free agents Jordan Montgomery and Jack Flaherty, were sent away at the trade deadline.
As the season was lost, Adam Wainwright slogged on in his personal quest for 200 career wins (until September 18) and the replacement starters were not of the same quality as the ones they replaced.
After this date last year, the trio of Dakota Hudson, Drew Rom and Zack Thompson made all 29 of their 2023 starts. Collectively, they logged a 5.69 ERA while averaging just under five innings per start.
Point: The 2024 starters are eating more innings than the 2023 starters TO DATE.
The data indicates this is not true. But again, the results are considerably better (for both the starters and relievers), which is what matters most.
Further, the stability outlook for the rotation is much better for the remainder of the season. If the current starters continue on their course for the remainder of the year, it very well could be that they will eat more innings than the 2023 starters did.
Of course, this may also depend on the bullpen maintaining its effectiveness. If Andre Pallante continues to pitch well in the rotation this month, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Cardinals go conservative and stand pat with the rotation, while adding another veteran reliever at the trade deadline.
That might be good enough to help them secure one of the three Wild Cards, but it wouldn’t increase the low confidence that this Cardinals team has enough starting firepower to complete deep into the playoffs.
Returning to the subject of this article, when considering innings eating, for me it gets down to the comparison point, whether the end of last season or the first half of 2023. Gray, Gibson and Lynn are a major step up from Hudson, Rom and Thompson, but less so from the prior group, led by Montgomery and Flaherty.
But as long as the results are there and the Cardinals keep winning, any concern about innings eating is just a secondary discussion – for now.
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St. Louis Cardinals Major League Notebook – July 1-7
photo: Ryan Helsley (Jeff Curry/USA TODAY Sports)
The St. Louis Cardinals went 4-2 on the road for their fourth straight winning week. As the offense is improving, the starting pitching has declined. Closer Ryan Helsley is the team’s lone All-Star. Our history feature highlights “rare feats” by Cardinals during the past week in prior years.
Helsley Named a 2024 NL All-Star
On Sunday evening, Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley was named the team’s only representative on the National League All-Star team. It is the right-hander’s second career All-Star berth (2022).
His 31 saves are the most ever by a Cardinal in the first half and the total leads Major League Baseball. Helsley was also the April NL Relief Pitcher of the Month. For the season, the 29-year-old has struck out 47 in 41 innings over 40 appearances and has a 2.41 ERA.
Because St. Louis did not have an elected All-Star, Helsley was added, as all MLB teams are required to be represented. This year’s game will be held in Arlington, Texas on July 16.
Game recaps
Monday, July 1, 2024 – Off day
Tuesday, July 2, 2024 – Cardinals 7 at Pirates 4
The St. Louis Cardinals defeated the Pirates in the opener of a three-game series in Pittsburgh on Tuesday. Starter Kyle Gibson pitched five innings, gave up four runs on five hits, struck out eight and walked one and received his sixth win of the season.
John King relieved Gibson and threw 2/3 of a scoreless inning. Ryan Fernandez hurled 1 1/3 scoreless innings. JoJo Romero and Ryan Helsley each tossed a scoreless inning. Helsley earned his 31st save.
The Cardinals took the lead in the third inning on a two-run home run by Alec Burleson. They added four runs in the fourth. Brendan Donovan singled. Nolan Arenado reached on catcher interference. Matt Carpenter singled. Nolan Gorman followed with a grand slam to left center field.
The Pirates scored four times in the fifth to cut the lead to 6-4. St. Louis put up one run in the seventh. Paul Goldschmidt doubled and came home on a single by Brendan Donovan.
The Cardinals scored seven runs on 13 hits. Gorman was 2-for-4 with four RBI. Burleson was 2-for-5 with two RBI. Donovan was 3-for-4 with an RBI. Goldschmidt and Masyn Winn were both 2-for-5.
On defense, Willson Contreras had a passed ball.
Wednesday, July 3, 2024 – Cardinals 4 at Pirates 5 (10 innings)
The Cardinals took a one run loss in extra innings on Wednesday. Starter Miles Mikolas pitched six innings, gave up two runs on five hits and struck out four.
Giovanny Gallegos relieved Mikolas and surrendered one run in 1/3 of an inning. Matthew Liberatore threw 1 2/3 scoreless innings. Andrew Kittredge yielded two runs, one earned, in 1 1/3 innings and took the loss. JoJo Romero gave up the walk off hit in the 10th.
The game was scoreless until the top of the fifth when the Cardinals took the 1-0 lead. Brandon Crawford led off with a double. Crawford later crossed the plate on a single by Masyn Winn.
The Pirates answered with two runs in the home fifth to lead 2-1. Pittsburgh added a run in the seventh.
St. Louis tied the game in the eighth on a two-run home run by Willson Contreras.
In the 10th, the Cardinals scored one run to briefly lead 4-3. Dylan Carlson began the inning on second base. Masyn Winn singled, moving Carlson to third. Alec Burleson plated Carlson on a sac fly.
The Pirates responded with two runs in the bottom of the 10th to win in a 5-4 walk off.
The Cardinals offense scored four runs on eight hits. Winn was 3-for-5 with an RBI. Paul Goldschmidt was 2-for-5. Contreras had two RBI.
On the bases, Goldschmidt stole his fifth base of the season.
Thursday, July 4, 2024 – Cardinals 3 at Pirates 2 (10 innings)
The Cardinals edged the Pirates on Thursday in their second consecutive extra innings game. Starter Andre Pallante pitched seven innings, gave up one run on four hits, struck out five and walked one.
Andrew Kittredge relieved Pallante and threw a scoreless eighth. John King surrendered one unearned run in the final two innings and received the win.
The Cardinals went up 1-0 in the second inning. Brendan Donovan reached on an error and scored on a double by Dylan Carlson.
The Pirates tied the game in the fourth. Neither team could break the tie in the regulation nine innings. In the top of the 10th inning, St. Louis plated two runs to take the 3-1 lead. Michael Siani was the Manfred runner on second. Pedro Pagés drove in Siani on a double. Pagés came home on a single by Alec Burleson.
Pittsburgh rallied for one run in the bottom of the 10th for the final score of 3-2.
The offense scored three runs on 10 hits. Burleson was 2-for-5 with an RBI. Carlson was 2-for-3 with an RBI.
On the bases, Paul Goldschmidt stole his sixth base of the season. Willson Contreras was caught stealing.
Friday, July 5, 2024 – Cardinals 7 at Nationals 6 (11 innings)
The Cardinals topped the Nationals, 7-6, in their third straight extra inning game. Starter Sonny Gray pitched five innings, gave up five runs on eight hits, struck out six and walked one.
Chris Roycroft relieved Gray and threw 1 2/3 scoreless innings. Matthew Liberatore followed with 2/3 of a scoreless inning. Ryan Fernandez hurled a scoreless inning. JoJo Romero tossed 2/3 of a scoreless inning. Ryan Helsley surrendered one unearned run in the final two innings for his first blown save of the year, but also his third win.
The Nationals took a 2-0 lead in the first inning. Washington increased the lead to 4-0 in the second, then added a fifth run in the third.
The Cardinals cut the lead to 5-2 in the fourth. Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado singled. Brendan Donovan drew a walk. Dylan Carlson plated Goldschmidt on a sac fly. Arenado came home on a single by Pedro Pagés.
St. Louis made it 5-3 in the fifth. Masyn Winn doubled and scored on a single by Willson Contreras. The Cardinals continued to cut into the lead with one run in the to shrink the lead to 5-4. Arenado doubled and later came home on a single by Nolan Gorman.
The Cardinals tied the game in the ninth on a solo home run by Contreras. The game went into the 10th and St. Louis went up, 6-5. With Brendan Donovan on second, Gorman singled to drive him home.
The Nationals tied the game at 6-6 in the home 10th. The Cardinals answered with one run in the top of the 11th to led 7-6. Masyn Winn began on second and advanced to third on a ground out by Alec Burleson. Winn scored on a third strike passed ball. Washington failed to answer in the bottom of the inning.
The Cardinals scored seven runs on 14 hits. Gorman was 2-for-2 with two RBI. Contreras was 2-for-5 with two RBI. Michael Siani was 2-for-5. Arenado was 4-for-5 with two runs scored.
On the bases, Winn stole his ninth base of the season. Burleson swiped his sixth bag.
Saturday, July 6, 2024 – Cardinals 6 at Nationals 14
The Cardinals were mauled by the Nationals in a 14-6 blowout on Saturday. Starter Lance Lynn pitched 2 2/3 innings, gave up 11 runs, 10 earned, on nine hits, struck out two and walked four. Lynn took the loss, his fourth of the season.
Matthew Liberatore relieved Lynn and surrendered two runs in 2 1/3 innings. Giovanny Gallegos yielded one run in the final three innings.
The Nationals went up 4-0 in the first inning and 9-0 in the second. The Cardinals answered in the third with four runs. Nolan Gorman doubled. Michael Siani singled. Masyn Winn drove in Gorman on a single. Alec Burleson advanced the runners on a ground out. Siani came home on a ground out by Willson Contreras. Paul Goldschmidt drew a walk. Nolan Arenado singled to score Winn. Brendan Donovan plated Goldschmidt on a single.
Washington increased their lead to 11-4 in the home third. The Cardinals added a run in the top of the fourth to shrink the lead to 11-5. Winn and Alec Burleson walked. Winn scored from second base on a wild pitch.
The Nationals added two runs in the bottom of the fourth to widen the lead to 13-5. St. Louis made it 13-6 in the seventh. Donovan singled. Gorman doubled. Donovan scored on a ground out by Siani.
Washington added one more run in the eighth for the 14-6 final score.
The Cardinals scored six runs on 11 hits. Winn was 2-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored. Arenado was 2-for-4 with an RBI. Donovan was 2-for-5 with an RBI. Gorman was 3-for-5.
On defense, Contreras made a throwing error.
Sunday, July 7, 2024 – Cardinals 8 at Nationals 3
The Cardinals came back from their Saturday beating to defeat the Nationals 8-3. Starter Kyle Gibson pitched five innings, gave up three runs on nine hits, struck out eight and walked two for his seventh win of the season.
The Cardinals took a 2-0 lead in the top of the second inning. Brendan Donovan drew a walk. Nolan Gorman drove in Donovan on a double. Gorman came home on a single by Dylan Carlson.
The Nationals tied the game in the home second. St. Louis regained the lead 3-2 in the fourth. Paul Goldschmidt led off the inning with a double and later scored on a single by Gorman.
The Cardinals increased their lead to 6-2 in the fifth. Masyn Winn drew a walk. Alec Burleson reached on catcher’s interference. Willson Contreras plated Winn on a single. Burleson stole third base and Contreras stole second. Nolan Arenado drove in Burleson and Contreras on a single.
Washington cut the lead to 6-3 in the sixth. The Cardinals responded with two runs in the seventh on a two-run home run by Contreras to widen the lead to 8-3.
The Cardinals scored eight runs on 13 hits. Contreras was 2-for-5 with three RBI and two runs scored. Arenado was 2-for-5 with two RBI. Gorman was 2-for-4 with two RBI. Burleson was 2-for-3.
On the bases, Burleson stole his seventh base of the season. Contreras swiped his third bag.
The Big Picture
The Cardinals finished the week with a record of 4-2. They took two of three from the Pirates and won two of three against the Nationals with one more game in the series to be played on Monday. St. Louis remains in second place in the NL Central, five games back of the Brewers. The Cardinals’ record stands at 47-42.
The offense over the week was more prolific than it had been the prior week. Despite the brief improvement, the team’s season run differential is -39.
The top offensive performers for the week by OPS are Nolan Gorman (1.289), Willson Contreras (1.212) and Brandon Crawford (1.000 in 3 ABs). Just below a .900 OPS are Masyn Winn (.896), Alec Burleson (.819), and Nolan Arenado (.807). The improvements from both Gorman and Arenado are important, as they are two of the most important hitters in the lineup who have struggled for most of the first half of the season.
At the bottom are Michael Siani (.334) and Matt Carpenter (.334). Siani’s place in the starting lineup could be more infrequent with the imminent return of Lars Nootbaar and the closer return of Tommy Edman, as the latter begins a rehab assignment this week. The poor offensive performance of Dylan Carlson (.502 OPS over the last week) has played a part in Siani’s frequent starts in CF, mostly because Siani’s defense is superior to that of Carlson.
In the starting pitching department, only Andre Pallante and Miles Mikolas had ERAs under 4.00 over the last week. While the offense has improved, the starting pitching got worse. The three 2024 newcomers, Sonny Gray (9.00), Kyle Gibson (6.30) and Lance Lynn (33.75), all had bad starts over the week. Lynn only lasted 2 2/3 innings in his most recent start, during which he gave up 11 runs.
The success of this team depends on all facets of the game going well. That has rarely happened during any part of the season so far. Perhaps the rest during the All-Star break will help the situation.
The bullpen has had its hiccups but has been fairly steady in this first half of the season. Of course, the pen gets frequent ingestion of fresh arms from Memphis when needed, which helps it stay on course.
The Cardinals have two more series (plus one game of the current series) before the All-Star break. First are two games with the Royals and then four with the Cubs which includes a doubleheader to make up a previous rain out. The Royals are playing well so far this season, but the Cubs have struggled. The Cubs will not be easy to beat though, because they never are. The intense rivalry between the two teams guarantees a tough series.
NL Central Standings
| Team | W | L | Pct | GB |
| Milwaukee | 53 | 38 | 0.582 | |
| St. Louis | 47 | 42 | 0.528 | 5 |
| Pittsburgh | 42 | 47 | 0.472 | 10 |
| Cincinnati | 42 | 48 | 0.467 | 10.5 |
| Chicago | 42 | 49 | 0.462 | 11 |
Trade and Acquisition Rumors
There are no trade or acquisition rumors to report.
Transactions
- 7/4 The Cardinals sent C Iván Herrera on a rehab assignment to the Memphis Redbirds.
- 7/5 The Cardinals recalled RHP Chris Roycroft from the Memphis Redbirds.
- 7/5 The Cardinals optioned RHP Jacob Bosiokovic to the Memphis Redbirds.
- 7/8 The Cardinals optioned IF Jose Fermin to the Memphis Redbirds.
On May 31st, the then-red hot hitting Memphis infielder (1.076 OPS) was called up to St. Louis when outfielder Lars Nootbaar was placed on the injured list.
Playing rarely for the Cardinals. Fermin went a dismal 3-for-31 (.097). He walked twice and struck out four times.
Expect Nootbaar to be activated before Monday’s game in Washington.
Injury Report
- CF Tommy Edman (arthroscopic wrist surgery) was transferred to the 60-day injured list from the 15-day injured list on May 6. Edman is set to begin a rehab assignment on Tuesday with the Springfield Cardinals.
- RHP Keynan Middleton (right forearm strain) was transferred from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day injured list on June 22. Middleton underwent season ending forearm surgery. The right hander did not throw a pitch for the Cardinals this season.
- LHP Drew Rom (left bicep tendinitis and left shoulder surgery) was transferred from the 15-day injured list to the 60 day-injured list on April 30. Rom underwent left shoulder surgery. The left hander is expected to be out until at least September.
- RHP Riley O’Brien (right forearm flexor strain) was transferred from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day injured list on May 10. O’Brien was scheduled for a rehab assignment with the Memphis Redbirds, but it was paused due to continued arm issues. Scans were sent out for a second opinion and no decision will be made until the consultation is completed.
- LHP Steven Matz (lower back strain) was transferred from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day injured list on June 28. Matz was cleared to begin throwing on July 4. Matz is expected to be out until August.
- OF Lars Nootbaar (left oblique strain) was placed on the 10-day injured list retroactive to May 30. Nootbaar has completed his rehab assignment and is expected to join the Cardinals in Washington on Monday.
In seven games with Springfield, Nootbaar split his time between right field and designated hitter. The right-handed hitter went 6-for-23 (.261) with six walks and eight strikeouts.
In his return to St. Louis, Nootbaar should become the semi-regular in right, shifting Alec Burleson to designated hitter. He could also spell Brendan Donovan in left and Michael Siani in right periodically.
- Iván Herrera (lower back tightness) was placed on the 10-day injured list retroactive to June 19. Herrera was sent on a rehab assignment to Memphis on July 4.
Looking Ahead
The Cardinals conclude their series in Washington on Monday. The team then returns home to play two games at Busch Stadium against the Kansas City Royals.
After a Thursday off day, the Cubs come to town for a weekend series before the All-Star Break.
The first series after the All-Star Break will be against the Braves in Atlanta. The Cardinals then return to Pittsburgh to face the Pirates.
After a travel day on Thursday, July 25, the Cardinals take on the Nationals again at Busch Stadium. The final series in July is three games with the Texas Rangers in St. Louis.
The month of August begins at Wrigley Field with a four-game series with the Cubs. The Cardinals return to St. Louis to play a rain makeup game with the Mets on Monday, August 5. That game will be followed by three games against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Blast from the Past
This week’s Blast from the Past looks at baseball rare feats accomplished by Cardinals players during the period July 1 through 7 in various years in the past.
A “rare feat” in MLB terms has been defined as one of the following: (1) a pitcher or pitchers throwing a no-hitter; (2) A batter hitting for the cycle, which is hitting at least one single, one double, one triple, and one home run in a single game; (3) A batter recording six hits in one game; (4) a player, either a position player or a pitcher, hitting a home run in their first major league at bat; and (5) a player hitting three or more home runs in a single game.
During this period in past seasons, the following Cardinal players accomplished one of the aforementioned rare feats. For each player, the type of feat, the date, as well as some details are listed below.
Nolan Arenado – On July 1, 2022, Arenado hit for the cycle in a 5-3 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. This was the second cycle in the career of Arenado. He hit for the cycle while with the Rockies on June 18, 2017.
Arenado’s cycle came in the following order: In the first inning, Arenado tripled to the LF-CF gap, scoring Paul Goldschmidt from first base.
In the third inning, Arenado hit a two-run home run to left field, again scoring Goldschmidt. Arenado’s cycle was completed by a double in the sixth and a single in the eighth.
Keith McDonald – McDonald was a catcher and the 24th round draft pick of the Cardinals in 1994. His MLB career was very short. McDonald debuted with the Cardinals on July 4, 2000 against the Cincinnati Reds at Busch Stadium. The Cardinals won, 14-3.
McDonald came into the game as a pinch hitter for SS Edgar Renteria in the bottom of the eighth inning. McDonald hit a solo home run to left center field for the final run scored by St. Louis.
In a twist to the story, McDonald hit a second home run two days later, on July 6 in his second MLB at bat, making him the second player in MLB history to homer in his first two major league at bats. The first was Bob Nieman, who hit two home runs in the same game, in his first two at bats with the St. Louis Browns on September 14, 1951.
McDonald appeared in only eight games total over two seasons, 2000 and 2001. He did not play for a major league team again.
Bill White – White played for the Cardinals for eight seasons, from 1959 to 1965, and again in 1969 and was named a team Hall of Famer in 2020. White’s rare feat was hitting three home runs in one game. On July 5, 1961, he led the Cardinals to a 9-1 win over the Dodgers at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
White’s first long ball was a solo shot to right field in the top of the third inning. His second was a two-run home run in the fourth inning. White hit another solo blast to right center field in the eighth. The first two long balls were against Dodger starter Roger Craig. The third was versus reliever Jim Golden.
The Cardinals hit four home runs in that game with the other home run hit by none other than starting pitcher Bob Gibson.
In that same month, White accomplished another feat. He tied Ty Cobb’s record of recording 14 hits in consecutive doubleheaders. The first doubleheader was played on the day that Cobb died.
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