Tyler Lyons was placed on the 15-day DL today, one day after getting roughed up by the Cubs. While that is an interesting move (considering that Mike Matheny left him in the game long enough to give up 9 runs in 4 innings), what is more interesting is who might replace him in the rotation...Jaime Garcia.
Garcia pitched 5 innings on Monday for AAA Memphis, giving up just 2 runs on 3 hits, while striking out 5. It was just his second rehab appearance, but speculation has already begun that he will get the call for the Cardinals on Saturday.
If Garcia makes the start on Saturday, it will be one year to the day from his last major league start, which came on May 17, 2013 against the Brewers.
It will be interesting to see if he still has the same stuff as he had before his shoulder issues. Shoulder injuries are the most difficult to come back from as a pitcher, so here's hoping for the best for Garcia.
In other news, GM John Mozeliak indicated that Kolten Wong could be recalled soon. He's reportedly "checked all the boxes" while hitting .344/.382/.484 in 15 games since his demotion.
The Cardinals are certainly looking for any kind of spark to their offense (as long as it does not involve calling up Oscar Taveras before June) and Mark Ellis (.203/.273/237) hasn't exactly been tearing it up as Wong's replacement.
Finally, the Cards continue to shuffle the back end of their bullpen, calling up both lefty Sam Freeman and righty Jorge Rondon, while sending down Eric Fornataro and placing Lyons on the DL. However, their stays may be short as one of them will be replaced by Garcia this weekend, while the other could soon be replaced by the rehabbing Jason Motte.
Motte has yet to give up a run in 5 appearances between AA Springfield and AAA Memphis (4.2 IP, 2 hits, 1 walk, 3 K's) and his return would certainly provide a boost to the Cardinals pen.
THEY NEED TO DO SOMETHING TO GET THEM MOTOVATED AND I MEAN THE WHOLE DAMN TEAM, IT LOOKS LIKE THEY ARE JUST GOING THROUGH THE MOTIONS
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