The Cardinals are expected to be without catcher/designated hitter Ivan Herrera for anywhere from two-to-six weeks after the 25-year-old was designated with a Grade 2 strain in his left hamstring.
Herrera was placed on the 10-day injured list on Friday before the Cardinals’ opened a three-game series vs. the Reds at Busch Stadium — a series that precedes a four-game set at home vs. the National League Central division-leading Cubs.
Herrera’s IL stint, which marks his second this season, will leave the Cardinals without a right-handed bat that has produced a .320 batting average and a .925 on-base plus slugging percentage in 42 games this season.
“It’s unfortunate. He’s been doing a really nice job. Swinging a really hot bat. Just a real threat offensively. We’re going to miss that,†Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol.
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It was in the sixth inning of Game 1 of Thursday’s doubleheader in Chicago when catcher Herrera felt a “pull†in his left hamstring.
Cardinals catcher Ivan Herrera celebrates with his teammates after hitting a home run against the Royals on June 5, 2025, at Busch Stadium.
Herrera recalls thinking he could stretch his single into a double as the ball he laced with a 104 mph exit velocity landed in the gap in right-center field. He settled for the single and, despite the sudden discomfort, remained in the game before being substituted out on defense at the start of the bottom of the eighth inning following a meeting with the Cardinals training staff.
The Cardinals hoped Herrera would not miss an extended period, but scans done on Friday in St. Louis revealed the severity of the 25-year-old’s injury and the need to put him on the IL.
Before getting sidelined for a second time this season, Herrera posted a .310/.381/.450 slash line with 25 RBIs in 35 games, mostly as a designated hitter, after being activated from the IL in early May. Herrera, who began the season as the Cardinals’ starting catcher on opening day, missed just over a month between April and May because of a bone bruise in his left knee sustained when running the bases.
“It could be worse. It could be the whole year. … I’m going to still be able to play a lot of games. That’s a positive. I’m going to keep working hard to come back stronger every day that I’m here,†Herrera said of his mental process with his second IL stint.
“It’s just another rock on my path, and I feel like I’m just going to come back stronger,†Herrera added.
While the injury sidelines Herrera, his absence opens “an opportunity for someone else to step in†to take at-bats from the designated hitter spot, Marmol said.
Of the players who could benefit from the at-bats available because of Herrera’s injury, Marmol named Nolan Gorman as someone who will see increased opportunities.
Gorman, who stated at third base with Nolan Arenado scheduled off following Thursday’s doubleheader, has batted .286 and slugged .571 in his last 15 games ahead of Friday’s start. That stretch for the 25-year-old infielder includes three homers in 42-bats and a .375 on-base percentage since the start of June.
That stretch has helped Gorman’s batting average climb from .189 by the end of May to a .220 mark.
“That’s part of 162,†Marmol said of the opportunities that open because of injury. “It’s not always going to be perfect. It’ll give more opportunity to Gorman and some others to step in there and show what they’re capable of, which will be fun to watch as well. Not ideal, but all good.â€
Saggese recalled
In a corresponding move to Herrera’s IL stint, the Cardinals recalled infield prospect Thomas Saggese from Class AAA Memphis.
Saggese, 23, started at designated hitter in his return to the majors.
The Cardinals waited to submit a lineup for their series-opener as Saggese traveled from Memphis. His presence in the Cardinals lineup allowed veterans Willson Contreras and Arenado to get a break from starting duties following the doubleheader.
While with Memphis, Saggese has batted .420 with a .508 on-base percentage and slugged .540 with 11 RBIs since the start of June. Saggese’s production in June includes one homer, three doubles, and nine walks to 10 strikeouts.
The utility infielder’s production has lifted him to a .317 batting average and an .847 on-base plus slugging percentage in 42 Class AAA games.
Saggese’s call up brings him back to the majors for the first time since early April. The 23-year-old batted .341 with an .876 on-base plus slugging percentage in 14 big-league games earlier this season.
Extra bases
Ahead of Friday’s game, the Reds placed left-hander Wade Miley on the 15-day IL because of a left flexor strain. Miley had been scheduled as the Reds’ starter for Saturday and would have started opposite Cardinals ace Sonny Gray. The Reds also recalled right Connor Phillips, a primary reliever this season, from Class AAA Louisville. The Reds have “TBA†listed for their probable starter on Saturday.
Michael McGreevy was returned to Class AAA Memphis after being called up as the Cardinals’ 27th player for the doubleheader in Chicago. McGreevy allowed one run in five innings in his start during Game 2.
Former St. Louis Blue Pat Maroon threw out the ceremonial first pitch ahead of Friday’s series-opener.
