Cardinals Face Injury Challenges
The St. Louis Cardinals have had a tough week with several key players dealing with injuries. Brendan Donovan, who plays both second base and left field, is day-to-day with a foot infection. He missed Saturday night’s game because he had difficulty applying pressure on his infected foot. Donovan played nine innings at second base and went 0-for-4 in Friday’s loss to the Mariners. His season stats include a .266 batting average, .331 on-base percentage, and .396 slugging percentage. He is tied for the team lead in games played with 134 and has career highs in doubles, triples, RBIs, and home runs.
Nolan Arenado, the Cardinals’ third baseman, returned to the lineup after tweaking his left shoulder during Friday’s game. He left the game in the ninth inning but played on Saturday night against Seattle. Arenado flew out to second base during the sixth-inning at-bat that caused the injury.
Pitching Changes for the Cardinals
The Cardinals also made some changes to their pitching staff. Chris Roycroft was recalled from Memphis for the fifth time this season. He is expected to provide long-work insurance out of the bullpen. Roycroft’s season stats with the Cardinals include a 1-2 record, a 4.15 ERA, and 27 strikeouts in 30⅓ innings. He has held opposing hitters to a .235 average.
On the other hand, Kyle Leahy was optioned to Triple-A Memphis after surrendering four hits and three earned runs in Friday’s loss to the Mariners. Leahy’s season stats include a 1-1 record and a 4.02 ERA in 31 appearances.
Injury Updates for Key Players
Several other Cardinals players are also dealing with injuries. Lance Lynn has been on the injured list since July 30 with right knee discomfort. He is expected to return on September 11 against the Reds. Lynn last pitched on July 30, holding the Rangers to one run over five innings despite knee pain.
Willson Contreras, the Cardinals’ catcher and designated hitter, has a fractured right middle finger. He is expected to return the week of September 16. Contreras has been out for three weeks without surgery and will likely need a Minor League rehab assignment before returning.
Keynan Middleton underwent season-ending flexor repair surgery on June 11 and is expected to return in 2025. Drew Rom underwent arthroscopic shoulder surgery and may return later this season or in the fall. Rom was acquired last July and made his MLB debut in 2023 with an 8.06 ERA over eight starts.
Tigers Promote Top Prospect
The Detroit Tigers have promoted their No. 2 prospect, Jackson Jobe, to Triple-A Toledo. Jobe is also MLB Pipeline’s top-ranked pitching prospect and No. 7 overall. His season stats at Double-A Erie include a 4-2 record and a 1.95 ERA over 16 starts. He has allowed just 42 hits over 73⅔ innings, with 38 walks and 81 strikeouts. Jobe’s best start of the season was recently against Reading, where he pitched a career-high seven innings, allowing one run on three hits, two walks, and eight strikeouts over 90 pitches.
The Tigers, under president Scott Harris, value Minor League postseason experience. Jobe’s performance suggests he is ready for Triple-A hitters and the automated strike zone of the ABS challenge system. Harris mentioned that Jobe needs to pitch at Triple-A before being considered for a Major League call-up. The Mud Hens are on the road at Omaha next week before finishing their season at home against Columbus from September 17-22.
Tigers’ Injury Updates
The Tigers also have several players on the injured list. Reese Olson, a right-handed pitcher, is expected to return in September. He began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Toledo on September 5, pitching two scoreless innings against Indianapolis. Wenceel Pérez, an outfielder, is also expected to return in September. He began a Minor League rehab stint with Triple-A Toledo on September 2 and is currently batting left-handed only.
Kevin McGonigle, a shortstop and second baseman, is rehabbing daily following hamate surgery on August 15. He sustained a right hamate fracture after fouling off a pitch on August 10. Hao-Yu Lee, a second baseman, is also rehabbing daily after injuring his lower back during a game on August 15 with Double-A Erie. He is dealing with lumbar spine inflammation.
On the 60-day injured list, Javier Báez underwent season-ending arthroscopic right hip surgery on September 3. He is expected to return in 2025. Báez missed close to a month in June due to lumbar spine inflammation. Brendan White, a right-handed pitcher, underwent a hydrodisection procedure on August 20 and began a throwing progression the week of September 2. His return date is still to be determined.
Alex Faedo, another right-handed pitcher, received a platelet-rich plasma injection in his shoulder and was transferred to the 60-day injured list on August 30. He is expected to return in 2025. Sawyer Gibson-Long, also a right-handed pitcher, underwent left hip labral repair surgery on July 9 after Tommy John surgery. He is rehabbing daily in Lakeland, Florida, and was transferred to the 60-day injured list on May 7. He is also expected to return in 2025.
Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Picks
For fantasy baseball enthusiasts, several players are worth considering for waiver wire pickups. Ben Joyce, a relief pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels, has become the closer after Carlos Estévez was traded. Joyce has confirmed his role as the ninth-inning man with the team’s past three saves. Known for his high radar gun readings, Joyce could potentially keep his role for years.
Andrew Heaney, a starting pitcher for the Texas Rangers, excelled in a two-start week by striking out eight Yankees over five scoreless innings. He allowed just one earned run across his past three starts and has a favorable home matchup against the Angels on Sunday.
Frankie Montas, a starting pitcher for the Milwaukee Brewers, has performed well enough to be considered a streamer with a 3.82 ERA and 1.27 WHIP. He is recommended for his home start against the Rockies on Friday due to Colorado’s poor road scoring.
Jeffrey Springs, a starting pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays, is suggested as a stash for next week’s two-start pitcher needs. Springs has logged impressive stats post-Tommy John surgery, including a 2.22 ERA, a 1.19 WHIP, and a strong strikeout-to-walk ratio. He faces challenging matchups against the Phillies and Guardians but may still perform well.
Miguel Amaya, a catcher for the Chicago Cubs, has had an outstanding second half with an .812 OPS after adjusting his batting technique. He has additional value due to upcoming games at Coors Field against baseball’s worst pitching staff.
Connor Norby, who plays second and third base for the Miami Marlins, has been productive since joining Miami with a .953 OPS in fifteen games, including three homers and two steals. He is batting second behind dynamic leadoff man Xavier Edwards.
JJ Bleday, an outfielder for the Oakland A’s, has had an impressive second half, batting .287 with nine homers and a .913 OPS. He is part of an effective lineup that ranks eleventh in second-half OPS.
Dylan Crews, an outfielder for the Washington Nationals, had a slow initial uptake despite being one of baseball’s best prospects. Now playing full-time, Crews is already hitting leadoff with two homers and three steals in nine games. He should be rostered in all five-outfielder leagues.
Blake Perkins, an outfielder for the Milwaukee Brewers, is an ideal September addition due to his strong performance against lefties and upcoming matchups against Colorado southpaws Ty Blach and Kyle Freeland. Perkins is expected to hit high in the lineup during these favorable matchups.
This week in Major League Baseball has been eventful, with significant injuries, roster moves, and fantasy baseball considerations. Stay tuned for more updates as the season progresses.
