photo: Sam Tuivailala (USA TODAY Sports Images)
St. Louis Cardinals press release
The St. Louis Cardinals announced prior to tonight’s (Tuesday) game that they have recalled right-handed pitcher Mike Mayers from Memphis (AAA) and placed right-handed pitcher Sam Tuivailala (left knee strain) on the 10-day disabled list, retroactive to April 10.
Mayers has appeared in two games for the Cardinals this season, allowing one run in 2.0 innings pitched. He was optioned to Memphis on April 9, but did not appear in a game with the Triple-A Redbirds.
Tuivailala, who worked 2.0 scoreless innings of relief on Monday, had appeared in four games for St. Louis, allowing two runs on six hits.
Mayers wears uniform no. 59.
Brian Walton’s take
What I find most interesting is that despite two solid one-inning rehab outings at high-A Palm Beach, coupled with a rumor he would join the team this week, Cardinals reliever Luke Gregerson was not the one to receive the call to replace Tuivailala.
As the mop-up/long man, Mayers was rarely used his first time with St. Louis this season. This lead a segment of fans to question why the Cardinals prefer eight relievers instead of five bench position players.
Normally after being sent down, Mayers would be required to remain in the minors for at least 10 days, but that rule is waived when an injury replacement is needed. That is the case here.
According to MLB.com, Tuivailala injured his knee during stretching prior to his most recent outing, on Monday. He becomes the club’s fourth reliever on the shelf, or fifth if you count Alex Reyes. The others are Gregerson, Ryan Sherriff and Brett Cecil.
As a reminder, Tuivailala is out of minor league options, so he must return to St. Louis’ roster when ready to be activated. However, the club could send him down to the minors to pitch his way back into shape via rehab, which is where Gregerson is now.
Memphis has not yet announced its replacement for Mayers on its active roster.
Minor minors move
On Thursday, the Double-A Springfield Cardinals placed reliever Hector Mendoza on the Temporarily Inactive List. No replacement was named.
The 24-year old Cuban native is off to a good start, with one hit and two walks allowed in four scoreless innings over two Texas League games. The right-hander, a non-roster invitee to St. Louis camp this spring, struck out two.
The TI list is an excused leave of absence of at least three days duration. The reason can arise from one of a number of personal situations including paternity, bereavement or a family medical emergency.
For roster and player information
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Brian Walton can be reached via email at brian@thecardinalnation.com. Follow Brian on Twitter.
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