photo: Greg Holland (Ryan Finkelstein/The Cardinal Nation)
St. Louis Cardinals press release
The St. Louis Cardinals announced prior to tonight’s (Monday) game that they have recalled right-handed pitcher Greg Holland from Palm Beach (A) and optioned right-handed pitcher Mike Mayers to Memphis (AAA).
Holland, who was signed to a one-year free-agent contract on March 30, appeared in two games for the Palm Beach Cardinals, totaling 2.0 innings pitched with a scoreless relief appearance on April 5 and a start on April 7 during which he allowed one run on two hits in 1.0 inning.
Holland, 32, pitched for the National League Wild Card-qualifying Colorado Rockies in 2017 after spending his first six Major League seasons with the Kansas City Royals (2010-15).
The three-time All-Star saved 41 games in 2017, tied with the Dodgers Kenley Jansen for the National League lead and he tied the Rockies franchise single-season saves record (Jose Jimenez – 2002).
Holland has a career record of 21-18 with a 2.60 ERA in 370 career appearances covering 377.0 innings with 500 strikeouts. He has converted 186 saves in 206 opportunities and ranks 4th among MLB relievers in save percentage (90.3%) since 2010.
In 2017, Holland was named National League Comeback Player of the Year and also earned National League Relief Pitcher of the Month for April and May converting 19 of 19 saves and his first 23 saves, not recording a blown save until June 15.
Mayers appeared in two games this season, allowing one run in 2.0 innings pitched.
Holland will wear uniform no. 56.
Brian Walton’s take
Holland’s arrival in St. Louis was pre-announced, leaving the only question being which reliever was sent down in his stead. The most likely options were Mayers and John Brebbia, with the latter having just re-joined St. Louis from Memphis on Sunday.
There was a segment of Cardinals fans concerned that Mayers, even as the long man/mop up man in the bullpen, was not getting enough game action with St. Louis. The spring training standout’s return to Memphis will allow him to receive more regular work until he is needed again in St. Louis.
With the impending return of another reliever, Luke Gregerson, also likely coming this week, Brebbia’s time with St. Louis may be short.
Memphis does not need to make a roster move for Mayers, as Brebbia’s opening had remained until now.
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