St. Louis Cardinals News

J.J. Wetherholt  • SS  •  Cardinals

J.J. Wetherholt Assigned To Double-A Springfield

St. Louis Cardinals shortstop prospect J.J. Wetherholt has been assigned to Double-A Springfield to begin the 2025 season. The 22-year-old earned a non-roster invite to spring camp and while there were some things he did well, it wasn't enough to make the big league club. The left-handed hitter went just 2-for-20 (.100) but did hit one home run, stole three bases, and walked more than he struck out (6:5 BB:K). The 2024 first-round draft pick spent all 29 games he played last season at Single-A, slashing .295/.405/.400 with a 16:15 BB:K. With a strong season, he'll no doubt ascend to Triple-A and a 2025 MLB debut is certainly a possibility. Possessing a keen eye at the plate and a solid power-speed profile, he could make an impact as soon as he gets the call so fantasy managers will want to keep tabs on his progression.
Yesterday   
Masyn Winn  • SS  •  Cardinals  |  Lars Nootbaar  • RF  •  Cardinals

Lars Nootbaar Set To Hit Leadoff, Masyn Winn Ninth On Opening Day

St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Lars Nootbaar is starting in left field and batting leadoff for Monday's exhibition game against Triple-A Memphis, with the St. Louis Post-Dispatch's Derrick Goold noting that it's the same lineup that manager Oliver Marmol plans to use on Opening Day this Thursday against the Minnesota Twins. Meanwhile, shortstop Masyn Winn is hitting ninth for the Red Birds. Although this setup could change eventually and is likely to be different against a left-hander, Winn's short-term fantasy upside will suffer after he hit just .080 (4-for-50) with no homers an RBI, two steals and 16 strikeouts in 55 plate appearances over 17 Grapefruit League games this spring. Nootbaar, meanwhile, hit .268 (11-for-41) with a homer, seven RBI and one steal in 18 games. The 27-year-old left-handed hitter could be a nice asset for on-base percentage in deep-mixed leagues as outfield depth.
Yesterday   
Sonny Gray  • SP  •  Cardinals

Sonny Gray Dealing With Flu-Like Illness

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch's Derrick Goold reports that St. Louis Cardinals right-hander Sonny Gray (illness) has been dealing with a flu-like illness that has sapped him of his strength and left him not feeling great. However, Gray said he felt better on Monday. A report surfaced recently that the 35-year-old veteran's velocity has been down this spring, which could be explained by his illness. Either way, it's something to watch with Gray after he got a late start on his offseason throwing program. Gray is scheduled to start on Opening Day this Thursday against the visiting Minnesota Twins, but even if he's cleared to toe the rubber to open the year, fantasy managers may want to consider benching him if he's not quite at full strength. In 14 1/3 innings over four Grapefruit League starts, Gray allowed a whopping 20 earned runs on 23 hits (eight homers) while walking six and fanning 17.
Yesterday   
Michael McGreevy  • SP  •  Cardinals

Michael McGreevy Optioned To Triple-A

St. Louis Cardinals pitching prospect Michael McGreevy was optioned to Triple-A Memphis. McGreevy was competing for a spot in the starting rotation but ultimately fell short. During camp, McGreevy was one of St. Louis' best pitchers as he held a stellar 1.08 ERA with a 0.60 WHIP across 16 2/3 innings. McGreevy tallied 12 punchouts during this stint and did not serve up a free pass. Last summer, the Santa Barbara product made his MLB debut and performed quite well, as he posted a 1.96 ERA with a 0.78 WHIP across 23 frames. He tallied just 18 punchouts but showed elite command as he held a strong 2.3 percent walk rate. Earlier in the campaign, McGreevy posted a 4.02 ERA with a 1.31 WHIP across 150 innings at Triple-A. Fantasy managers in deeper formers should consider monitoring his progression at Triple-A, as he should contend for an early return to the big leagues.
Yesterday   
Matthew Liberatore  • RP  •  Cardinals

Matthew Liberatore Named Cardinals Fifth Starter

St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Matthew Liberatore has been named the team's fifth starter. The Arizona native was decent in spurts a season ago but could never put it all together consistently. He spent most of his 86 innings out of the bullpen (six starts) in 2024, but the Cardinals will give him another go in the rotation. Liberatore has been solid this spring, compiling a 1.62 ERA and 0.78 WHIP in 16 2/3 innings of work (one start). It's unclear whether or not the former first-round pick will impact fantasy this season, but it's certainly intriguing that the Cardinals continue to give him chances in the rotation. He's nothing more than a late-round lottery ticket at this point and can be found by fantasy managers on waiver wires until he proves he's worth a roster spot.
2 days ago   
Victor Scott II  • CF  •  Cardinals

Victor Scott II To Be Cardinals Center Fielder

St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Victor Scott II will be the team's center fielder on Opening Day. The Athletic's Katie Woo reported the news. Scott's first taste of big-league action did not go as planned, as he hit .179 over 145 at-bats (53 games) with 11 extra-base hits. However, he's been electric this spring, hitting .366 with four home runs and five stolen bases (1.225 OPS). While that production is likely unsustainable, the 24-year-old projects to boost fantasy managers in the stolen base department. The former fifth-round pick sports an 80 grade for his elite speed and will now get everyday at-bats for St. Louis. He represents a potential cheap source of steals in fantasy drafts and he's going just inside the top 400.
2 days ago   
Michael McGreevy  • SP  •  Cardinals

Michael McGreevy Shines On Friday

St. Louis Cardinals pitching prospect Michael McGreevy tossed five shutout frames on Friday afternoon against the New York Mets. McGreevy allowed just one hit and tallied four punchouts. This outing continued McGreevy's impressive camp. Through 16 2/3 innings, the right-hander has posted a stellar 1.08 ERA with a 0.60 WHIP. McGreevy has tallied 12 punchouts and has not served up a free pass. The UC Santa Barbara product is competing for a spot in the rotation, and given his production in camp, he continues to improve his chances. Last week, there were reports that the Cardinals were interested in potentially using a six-man rotation at the start of the season, which would almost guarantee McGreevy a starting role. Last season, the 24-year-old made his MLB debut and tossed 23 innings with a strong 1.96 ERA with a 0.78 WHIP. If he were to make the starting rotation, he would have value in deeper formats.
4 days ago   
Sonny Gray  • SP  •  Cardinals

Sonny Gray's Velocity Down This Spring

St. Louis Cardinals right-hander Sonny Gray (forearm) admitted that he received a pain-killing injection in the flexor tendon of his right forearm late last season -- he ended the year on the injured list -- and the injury delayed his offseason program. Gray said the injury hasn't been an issue during spring training, but the delay in his throwing program could explain his diminished velocity in Grapefruit League games. The 35-year-old veteran has really struggled in spring games, allowing 18 earned runs on 21 hits (seven homers) while walking six and striking out 14 in 11 1/3 innings over four starts. Gray's velocity was down nearly two mph in his Grapefruit League start against the Houston Astros, which should be a cause for concern for the Cards and fantasy managers alike. If his velocity doesn't rebound, it's unlikely he'll have a strikeout rate north of 30% like he had in 2024. It's something to keep a close eye on.
4 days ago   
José Fermín  • 2B  •  Cardinals  |  Jose Fermin  • RP  •  Angels

Jose Fermin Makes Opening Day Roster

St. Louis Cardinals infielder Jose Fermin has made the team's Opening Day roster, sources told The Athletic's Katie Woo. Fermin will serve in a backup utility role and as a contact bat off the bench. The 25-year-old beat out Jose Barrero for one of the final spots on the team's Opening Day roster. The Dominican infielder has hit .282 (11-for-39) with a homer, five doubles, nine RBI and two runs scored in 17 Grapefruit League games. He's likely to see most of his playing time at second base in St. Louis, especially if Nolan Gorman's struggles from last year continue. Fermin tore up Triple-A pitching in 2024, but he struggled offensively in 45 games at the big-league level, slashing just .155/.241/.197 with no homers, four RBI, two steals and seven runs scored in 79 plate appearances. At best, he's a deep bench stash in NL-only leagues for his speed.
4 days ago   
Nolan Gorman  • 2B  •  Cardinals

Nolan Gorman Out Sick On Friday

St. Louis Cardinals second baseman Nolan Gorman (illness) is out of the team's Grapefruit League lineup on Friday due to an illness, according to manager Oliver Marmol. Hopefully, Gorman will be feeling good enough in a day or two to get his final spring at-bats in before starting the regular season next Thursday. Heading into Friday's games, the 24-year-old infielder is hitting just .196 (9-for-46) with a homer, three doubles, two RBI, and 12 strikeouts in 16 Grapefruit League contests. Still, Gorman is fully expected to be the Cardinals' primary second baseman in 2025, at least on the strong side of a platoon against right-handed pitching. It was a rough 2024 campaign for Gorman, as he hit just .203/.271/.400 with 19 home runs, 50 RBI, six stolen bases and a 37.6% strikeout rate in 107 games. He was optioned to the minors in August and never returned to the big leagues. He still has power, but he's merely a middle-infield option in deep-mixed fantasy leagues.
4 days ago   
Masyn Winn  • SS  •  Cardinals

Masyn Winn Returns To The Starting Lineup On Friday

St. Louis Cardinals young shortstop Masyn Winn (wrist) is back in the starting lineup Friday after he had missed the previous two games earlier in the week. He will be batting leadoff, where he expects to be at the start of the regular season. During the 2024 season, Winn had a phenomenal rookie campaign, as he held a .267/.314/.416 slash line with 15 home runs, 85 runs scored, 57 RBI, and 11 stolen bases in his first full season in the big leagues. Fantasy managers should be encouraged to see the young star back in the lineup today, as Opening Day is less than a week away. Hopefully, Winn can work off some of the early season struggles, as he is currently batting .098 in 45 plate appearances.
4 days ago   
Masyn Winn  • SS  •  Cardinals

Cardinals Hope Masyn Winn Will Return On Friday

St. Louis Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said that shortstop Masyn Winn (wrist) will take several at-bats on a back field on Wednesday in live batting practice. The hope is that Winn will return to Grapefruit League action on Friday when the team has two split-squad games. The Cardinals scratched the 22-year-old from the starting lineup on Tuesday due to right-wrist soreness, but it sounds like it's nothing serious or anything that will keep him from playing next Thursday on Opening Day. However, the wrist issue combined with his performance in spring training -- he's gone just 4-for-41 with 12 strikeouts and three walks -- may have fantasy managers wondering if he'll get off to a slow start when the games count. Winn was impressive in his first full year as the starting shortstop in 2024, posting a .730 OPS with 15 homers and 11 steals in 150 games.
6 days ago   
Masyn Winn  • SS  •  Cardinals

Masyn Winn Dealing With Wrist Soreness

St. Louis Cardinals shortstop Masyn Winn (wrist) was scratched from Tuesday's lineup due to wrist soreness. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status during the week in case this injury starts to linger. However, for now, fantasy managers should view him as day-to-day. Jose Barrero will take his spot in the starting nine. Winn is expected to be St. Louis' primary shortstop during the 2025 campaign. The 22-year-old logged a career-high 150 contests during the 2024 season. During this stretch, Winn held a .261/.314/.416 slash line with 32 doubles and 15 home runs. Winn swiped 11 bags but placed in the 87th percentile in sprint speed, which suggests he could see some positive regression in this output. He also generated a .256 xBA, which was above the average mark. Winn is an intriguing middle infield option in standard leagues, given his ability to contribute to all five standard categories.
7 days ago   
Michael McGreevy  • SP  •  Cardinals

Michael McGreevy Could Make Starting Rotation

St. Louis Cardinals starting pitching prospect Michael McGreevy could make the starting rotation if the Cardinals opt to use a six-man rotation. John Denton of MLB.com noted that the young right-hander could operate as a starter and swingman. The 24-year-old made his MLB debut last summer and performed quite well. Through 23 innings, McGreevy posted a 1.96 ERA with a strong 0.78 WHIP. During spring training, McGreevy has allowed just two runs across 11 2/3 innings of work. Fantasy managers should continue monitoring his status, as he is competing for a spot in the rotation. If he were to continue to perform well in camp, he could even become the No. 5 starter. Andre Pallante and Steven Matz are expected to be the No. 4 and No. 5 starters in the rotation. If McGreevy breaks camp as a starter, he does carry intriguing late-round value, given his success this spring.
7 days ago   
Sonny Gray  • SP  •  Cardinals

Sonny Gray Starting On Opening Day

St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Sonny Gray will get the nod on Opening Day against the Minnesota Twins. Gray enjoyed a strong debut season in St. Louis last summer and will operate as the top man in the rotation in 2025. Last season, Gray logged 166 1/3 innings to the tune of a 3.84 ERA with a 1.09 WHIP. He tallied an impressive 203 strikeouts and served up just 39 walks. His strikeouts were the fourth-most in the National League. He generated a solid 3.67 xERA with a .237 xBA which placed him in the 63rd and 53rd percentiles respectively. In addition, the 35-year-old generated whiffs at an elite 29.8 percent rate. Gray's sweeper (second-most used pitch) is his primary put-away pitch as it generated an elite 44.8 percent whiff rate. Facing the Twins, Gray will be viewed as a solid option in DFS given his strikeout upside.
Mar 16   
Jordan Walker  • RF  •  Cardinals

Jordan Walker Returns To Lineup On Saturday

St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Jordan Walker (knee) is returning to the starting lineup on Saturday afternoon. He is slated to cover right field and bat in the six-hole. The former 21st overall selection in the 2020 MLB Draft has been sidelined since early March with this knee injury. However, seeing him return to the lineup suggests he will not face any restrictions by Opening Day. When healthy, Walker is expected to serve as their everyday right fielder. Last season, Walker held an underwhelming .201/.253/.366 slash line with 10 doubles and five home runs across 51 contests. However, he began to find his footing in the final month of the regular season as he posted a much-higher .253/.388/.494 line. During his rookie season, Walker posted a .276/.342/.445 line. The 22-year-old is worth a look as a late-round option in five outfielder leagues as he took significant steps in his development at the end of the 2024 campaign.
Mar 15   
Ryan Loutos  • RP  •  Cardinals

Ryan Loutos Optioned To Triple-A

The St. Louis Cardinals optioned right-handed pitcher Ryan Loutos to Triple-A Memphis. Loutos was competing for a spot on the Opening Day roster but will begin his 2025 season with the Memphis Redbirds instead. Last season, Loutos made a brief MLB debut as he logged two 1/3 shutout frames. He spent the majority of his season at the Triple-A level where he posted a 3.40 ERA with a 1.43 WHIP across 53 innings of work. He tallied 59 punchouts while serving up 23 free passes. This was a strong improvement compared to the high 6.40 ERA and 1.90 WHIP he held across 71 2/3 innings at Triple-A during the 2023 season. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status at Triple-A as he will likely return to the majors when St. Louis needs additional pitching depth.
Mar 13   
Jordan Walker  • RF  •  Cardinals

Jordan Walker Could Return To Action On Saturday

St. Louis Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said that if all goes well with outfielder Jordan Walker (knee) over the next couple of days in camp, he will return to Grapefruit League action on Saturday. Walker has been out of spring training games since last Tuesday due to left-knee irritation but has taken batting practice and been tracking fly balls in the outfield over the last two days. It looks like the 22-year-old former top prospect is putting his sore knee behind him, and he still has plenty of time to get up to full speed before Opening Day in late March. The former 21st overall pick hit 16 home runs in his rookie season in 2023 but batted .201 with 50 K's in 178 plate appearances last year and was sent to the minors. Walker is going to get his chance as the starting right fielder in 2025, but it might be a make-or-break year for him in St. Louis.
Mar 13   
Tekoah Roby  • SP  •  Cardinals

Tekoah Roby Optioned To Double-A

The St. Louis Cardinals have optioned right-handed pitching prospect Tekoah Roby to Double-A Springfield. The 23-year-old enjoyed a nice spring training where he tallied 10 punchouts with a 3.00 ERA and a 0.89 WHIP across nine innings. While he was not expected to make the Opening Day roster, this strong showing could have opened the door for a nearly promotion to Triple-A. Last season, Roby logged 33 1/3 innings with Double-A Springfield before being shut down with a shoulder injury. During this stint, he held a 6.75 ERA with a 1.65 WHIP. During the 2023 campaign, the former third-round selection held a 4.63 ERA with a 1.20 WHIP across 58 1/3 innings of work at the Double-A level. Dynasty managers should monitor his progress as he may only need a brief stint at Double-A before making his Triple-A debut.
Mar 13   
J.J. Wetherholt  • SS  •  Cardinals

J.J. Wetherholt Reassigned To Minor-League Camp

St. Louis Cardinals shortstop prospect J.J. Wetherholt was reassigned to minor-league camp on Wednesday. The Cardinals' 2024 first-round draft pick earned a roster invite this spring but will need more seasoning before returning to the big leagues. The left-handed hitter played just 29 games at Single-A last season but showed well with a .295/.405/.400 slash line over 126 plate appearances, while walking more than he struck out (16:15 BB:K). The 22-year-old was 2-for-20 in Grapefruit League play, which included a home run, plus he added three stolen bases. The keen eye was on full display as well, posting a 6:5 BB:K. If he plays well this summer, then perhaps there's an outside shot we'll see him in St. Louis by season's end, however, a 2026 debut is more likely.
Mar 13   
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