How long can shorthanded club delay IL decision on Brendan Donovan? Cardinals Extra
MILWAUKEE — So accustomed to his view looking in at the catcher from whichever position he’s playing that day, Cardinals utility fielder Brendan Donovan had difficulty Thursday looking out on the field from the dugout.
“I go stir crazy in the dugout,†Donovan said Friday afternoon. “At one point, I leaned on every bench and on every rail. I walked to the (batting) cage and back.â€
He took strides Friday toward a more familiar vantage point.
The Cardinals said they are willing to play shorthanded all weekend against the Brewers if Donovan going through the paces to recover from a sore left big toe means he’ll be available Tuesday to begin a series on the south side of Chicago. Donovan missed his third consecutive game Friday night — which means his injury is at a tipping point. Any further and the Cardinals risk putting him on the 10-day injured list a day longer than. But they don’t want to do it so soon that it assures he’ll miss the series against the White Sox and the start of the upcoming home stand.
For the Cardinals, the decision day is likely Sunday to avoid playing a second series with a reduced roster.
For Donovan, the significant tests continued Friday.
“I’m going to push it really hard today,†he said.
Cardinals second baseman Brendan Donovan throws to first for an out against the Blue Jays on Monday, June 9, 2025, at Busch Stadium.
Eli Randolph, Post-Dispatch
Donovan had a carbon-fiber insert placed in his left cleat to create some rigidity around the injured toe and keep it from flexing. Donovan is dealing with irritation with the capsule of the toe — or a pain that is or is similar to “turf toe.†As the inflammation has reduced in the toe, the pain has diminished, too. The discomfort he felt twisting his back foot at the plate started to recede Friday and he felt more explosive with his swing as a result.
Donovan participated in all of the pre-game activities Friday, from groundball drills to batting practice. If he recovers well, he’ll go through a complete batting practice Saturday and then the Cardinals can decide on his availability.
The Cardinals’ Gold Glove-winning utility fielder, Donovan is among the league leaders in average .310), hits (77), and, despite giving the league some time to catch up, doubles, too, with 20. At the time of his injury, he was the Cardinals’ leading candidate to receive an All-Star Game invite.
The Cardinals are 32-25 this year when he bats third for them.
“With the talk about extending the pitch count for the opposing pitcher, his defense — all of it,†manager Oliver Marmol said. “It’s been good to see him out there every day. It’s been good to see him consistently at second. I think that’s been a part of it, too. I think consistency of where he this and where he plays has been helpful.â€
If possible, Marmol’s preference is to start Donovan most often at second base and allow him to thrive at the position where he’s been among the best with a glove.
That’s the manager’s view of Donovan’s position.
He just has to get back on the field for it.
“I want to see how he responds to moving around,†Marmol said before chatting with Donovan about his work on the field Friday and his comfort in the batting cage. “It will be telling.â€
Getting to know the ‘Miz’
Brewers’ power-packed rookie and ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ native Jacob Misiorowski made quite a first impression on the Cardinals in his major-league debut against, but they figure the more they see the lanky, lean, velocity machine the better they’ll do against him.
And they expect to see him plenty as a division rival.
“Nice and easy and then all of sudden it’s 100 (mph),†Cardinals catcher Pedro Pages said. “It’s not easy. The more we see him the more idea we’ll have of what he’s doing.â€
Misiorowski pitched five no-hit innings against the Cardinals in Thursday’s 6-0 victory for the Brewers. He struck out five and did so with a mix of fastballs that touched 102 mph and off-speed pitches that seem to be oxymorons as they broke Statcast with their velocities. The 23-year-old right-hander landed a slider at 96.2 mph and dropped a changeup that was initially designated a sinker because the radar clocked it at 92.5 mph.
Misiorowski threw the 30 swiftest pitches of the game.
Adding to the 6-foot-7 pitcher’s long-lever velocity was an extension that can give the hitter the sensation Misiorowski is reaching toward him with a pitch, not just delivering it.
That’s difficult to sense on video, and as the Cardinals saw more pitches and more innings from him, they started to take less uncomfortable swings. He got nine outs from the first nine Cardinals he faced, and he walked three of the final nine.
“That is a different arm, man,†Marmol said. “The velo is real. The extension is real. It gets on you. The cutter. All of it. Second time through they were seeing it a little better.â€
Misiorowski left the game after rolling his right ankle walking back up a mound during the start of the sixth inning. The club said he left the game due to cramping in his calf and quadriceps, but on Friday Milwaukee writers reported the starter had some swelling in his ankle. The Brewers did not expect it to slow their prospect.
Walker’s rehab, etc.
Jordan Walker was 0 for 2 with a walk before rain suspended Class AAA Memphis’ game Thursday night in Gwinnett, Georgia. Walker will resume his rehab assignment Friday by finishing the suspended game in right field and then playing the second game at designated hitter. The Cardinals plan on Walker returning from the IL and his wrist injury on Tuesday in Chicago, at the latest. … Victor Scott II passed concussion protocol tests on the field and said he was fine late Thursday night after being struck on the helmet by a curveball in the game. … A day after spending his 30th birthday explaining why he wanted a trade out of Milwaukee, pitcher Aaron Civale got it. The Brewers sent the right-hander to the White Sox for first baseman/outfielder Andrew Vaughn. The Sox also included cash. Vaughn hit 19 homers this past season but has struggled to a .198 average and .314 slugging percentage in 48 games this season.
JJ Wetherholt's walk-off and more updates from recent Cardinals minor league action
Cardinals infielder JJ Wetherholt sets up his throw on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025, during fielding drills at the team’s practice facility in Jupiter, Fla.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
‘Twas an eventful week in the Cardinals’ minor league sphere, especially with call-ups.
Since last Friday, Michael McGreevy, Riley O’Brien, Chris Roycroft, Michael Siani and Andre Granillo were all brought up to St. Louis. McGreevy and Roycroft were eventually optioned to Class AAA Memphis after bumpy outings, while Granillo shined in his major-league debut on Thursday. In a 6-0 loss to the Brewers, Granillo pitched a shutout in 2 2/3 innings of work.
Down on the farm, bats stayed hot, and pitchers found a rhythm over the past week. The former sentiment applied to the Cardinals’ top prospect, who also came up clutch for a red-hot Springfield squad.
Updates on Cardinals Top 10 prospects
JJ Wetherholt, SS, Class AA Springfield
The 2024 first-round pick has been on a tear recently, collecting multiple hits in seven of his last eight games. He hit a walk-off base hit on Thursday night to give Springfield its fourth straight win and ninth its last 10 games.
Cardinals infielder JJ Wetherholt sets up his throw on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025, during fielding drills at the team’s practice facility in Jupiter, Fla.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
Quinn Mathews, LHP, Class AAA Memphis
In Mathews’ last start, which came against Indianapolis on June 6, he bounced back nicely from a rough outing against Durham. He threw five shutout innings, striking out six batters and picking up his first win of the season.
Tink Hence, RHP, High-A Peoria
Hence made his first rehab start for Palm Beach on Saturday, allowing just one hit while striking out six batters in just 2 2/3 innings. He was sent to Peoria on Tuesday.
Jimmy Crooks, C, Class AAA Memphis
The big lefty has had a stellar week since last Friday, where he tallied two hits against Indianapolis. On Tuesday, he hit a three-run home run against Gwinnett, which helped the Redbirds to a 4-2 win in the series-opener.
Thomas Saggese, INF, Class AAA Memphis
After going hitless on Friday and Sunday against Indianapolis, Saggese collected two hits on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Leonardo Bernal, C, Class AA Springfield
After a six-game hit streak was snapped on Tuesday, Bernal bounced back with a towering two-run home run on Wednesday. The first-inning blast brought Bernal’s total to 10 on the season, one shy of his mark from 2024 in 67 fewer games.
Rainiel Rodriguez, C, Low-A Palm Beach
After taking home Minor League Player of the Month for the Cardinals in May, Rodriguez has been consistent in June. He’s recorded a hit in six of his last seven appearances since the calendar flipped, including a double in his last outing on Wednesday.
Yairo Padilla, SS, FCL Cardinals
Padilla has been swinging a hot bat over the past week, totaling 11 hits in his past four games. Nine of those hits were singles, while two were doubles. Both extra-base hits came last Friday.
Chase Davis, OF, Class AA Springfield
The 2023 first-round pick has struggled mightily in June, going 2-of-36 with 16 strikeouts. One of his lone highlights at the plate came on Tuesday, when he hit a leadoff two-run home run as part of an 8-3 win over Tulsa.
Michael McGreevy, RHP, Class AAA Memphis
McGreevy made his major league debut on Sunday, allowing eight hits and four earned runs against the Dodgers while striking out six batters in a loss. He was optioned back to Memphis the following day.
Other standouts
Joshua Baez (Class AA Springfield) hit two home runs against Tulsa on Tuesday, his first being moments after Davis’ blast to open the game.
Ixan Henderson (Class AA Springfield) had two productive starts this past Friday and Tuesday. Friday’s outing featured a nine-K shutout in 5 2/3 innings, while Tuesday’s start saw Henderson allow just two hits and one earned run in 6 2/3 innings.
Hancel Rincon (Class AA Springfield) registered a solid start against Tulsa on Tuesday following a call-up from High-A Peoria. He allowed just five hits and one earned run while striking out eight batters.
Roby gets roughed up
In Tekoah Roby’s first start since being promoted to Class AAA Memphis, the Cardinals’ Minor League Pitcher of the Month in May was tagged by Gwinnett on Wednesday. In 4 2/3 innings, he allowed 10 hits and six earned runs, both of which were season-worsts.
Lars Nootbaar’s spike in strikeouts, struggles give skidding Cardinals a leading concern
MILWAUKEE — The only guarantees for a leadoff hitter is that they’ll bat with the bases empty once and they’ll at least be tied on the team for the most plate appearances in a game, every time. Beyond that it must just seem like when things are going poorly for a leadoff hitter the game is guaranteed to find them to make it worse.
From the at-bat that started the game Friday night to the one that finished it with the potential tying run at second — and the strikeouts in between — Cardinals outfielder Lars Nootbaar could not escape what’s become one of the most difficult stretches of his career. Opportunities to change the game and possibly halt the Cardinals’ losing streak came in the fifth, the seventh, and back around again in the ninth.
Each time the leadoff hitter, renowned for his feel for the strike zone, struck out.
Cardinals outfielder Lars Nootbaar walks off the field after striking out against the Blue Jays on Monday, June 9, 2025, at Busch Stadium.
Eli Randolph, Post-Dispatch
“You’re at the top of the lineup and you want to do everything you can to help the team,†Nootbaar said late Friday after the Cardinals’ sixth consecutive loss. “That’s the main thing is just feeling that you’re letting the guys down being that spot. You try to do more and it really doesn’t help. Once I get out of this, I’ll look back and say I probably shouldn’t have pressed and try to do that. It’s human nature.
“Right now, it’s you want to swing your way out of it.â€
And that’s partially why the misses keep mounting.
In the Cardinals’ 3-2 loss to Milwaukee on Friday at American Family Field, Nootbaar finished 0 for 5 and struck out four times. He had never struck out more than three times in his career before this past week, and he has two four-strikeout games. Nootbaar had two three-strikeout games all of 2024. He has three in the past six days as his June average dipped to .114.
Milwaukee starting left-handed Jose Quintana on Saturday gives the Cardinals a natural spot to give Nootbaar a break from leadoff and give leadoff a different look, even if it’s only for that day. Nootbaar could possibly get a day off entirely from the lineup. Manager Oliver Marmol agreed when asked about getting a breather for Nootbaar after the outfielder’s fifth consecutive game without a hit.
The manager has expressed confidence in Nootbaar thriving at leadoff.
“He’s going to learn a lot from this and it will serve him well as far as trying to swing your way out of what he’s feeling right now and the difference between that and sticking to what makes you good,†Marmol said. “At times, you just want to do more. And each punch out, each oh-for, you kind of double-down on wanting to do more. He’s learning from it.â€
While starters Erick Fedde and Freddy Peralta began Friday’s game by retiring the first nine batters they each faced and taken their tandem perfect run into the fourth inning, the game ultimately hinged on production from the top of the lineup. The Brewers got it with two runs from leadoff hitter Sal Frelick and two dexterous slides by No. 2 hitter Jackson Chourio in the decisive sixth inning. Frelick snapped Fedde’s perfect start with a line drive off the right-hander’s left forearm. Fedde remained in the game and was there when Frelick singled to lead off the sixth and stole second.
Chourio followed with a single to set up a sacrifice fly and groundout that broke a 1-1 tie and gave the Brewers’ the lead the Cardinals challenged but never overtook.
Meanwhile, the top of the inning, the top of the Cardinals’ lineup struggled. Going into the ninth inning, the first four spots in the Cardinals’ lineup combined to go 1 for 13. No. 3 hitter Ivan Herrera ended Peralta’s perfect run with a two-out single in the fourth inning. Cleanup hitter Willson Contreras was hit by a pitch and walked to reach base twice. Nootbaar and Winn, the Cardinals’ Nos. 1 and 2 hitters, combined to go 0 for 9.
The Cardinals were 2 for 9 with runners in scoring position and they struck out four times. Two of those belonged to Nootbaar.
“I’ve got to face it,†Nootbaar said at his locker late Friday night. “Yeah, going through a tough stretch right now. Obviously, something is off. Trying to identify it. It is uncommon for me to be struggling in this fashion. Trying to figure it out. I’ve had some long nights the past week, trying to do everything we can to fix it.â€
What’s uncharacteristic about the slump for Nootbaar is the strikeouts. In 2024, the Cardinals’ outfielder was top 2% in walk rate and he was the best in chase rate. Blend those two skills with being top 9% in hard-hit rate and top 12% in average exit velocity, and Nootbaar had a reputation for being patient at the plate with his swings and punishing when he did swing. That’s almost flipped on him in the past week.
During the Cardinals’ losing streak he’s 0 for 23 with 13 strikeouts.
He said Friday that he hasn’t felt right with his swing since the Cardinals faced the Los Angeles Angels — and that was the second series of this season.
The game Friday offered no compassion.
After Peralta sped through the Cardinals’ lineup the first time he saw it, Nootbaar led off the fourth inning and struck out. In the fifth, back-to-back doubles by Alec Burleson and Nolan Arenado tied the game, 1-1. Arenado remained at second for the next two batters, and a two-out walk to Michael Siani brought the inning back around to Nootbaar. Peralta caught him looking at a changeup to end the inning. In the seventh, a one-out single put a teammate on base for Nootbaar again, and he got called out on a third strike.
Asked if he felt in between — antsy on off speed, hesitant on heat — Nootbaar felt that was a fair description with a dash of eagerness to just force hits to happen.
“I think that’s what makes us good is we’re stubborn,†Nootbaar said. “And, yeah, caught in between is a good term for me right now.â€
In between can describe both the tempo and approach of a swing.
It can also describe a vice.
He was back in it in the ninth. Victor Scott II came off the bench and into a rally against Brewers’ closer Trevor Megill that got the tying run into scoring position. Scott had an RBI single with two outs and stole second base to make that possible. It also turned over the Cardinals’ lineup to guarantee Nootbaar would get a chance to erasing whatever happened in his previous four at-bats with what was possible in this fifth one. The game he started would either continue with him — or end.
Megill threw him three consecutive knuckle curveballs.
Nootbaar took one for a strike.
Nootbaar fouled off one for a second strike.
He swung at one in the dirt to finish the game.
“He’s trying everything, and it’s not going his way,†Marmol said. “The swing and miss is more than he would like, more than we would like. This guy — he feels like it’s on him. That’s what makes him good. He cares. We have to come alongside of him and help him get out of this.â€
Second baseman, leading hitter recovering from "turf toe" and intended to "really push it" Friday to see if he can return by Sunday, when team wants to make a call.
Lineup ends its scoreless streak after 20 innings and gets tying run on base in the ninth, but top of the order continues to struggle in 3-2 loss at Milwaukee.
Photos: Cardinals fall to Brewers for second straight night
St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Erick Fedde (12) delivers during the first inning of a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers Friday, June 13, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)
Kayla Wolf
Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Freddy Peralta (51) delivers during the first inning of a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals Friday, June 13, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)
Kayla Wolf
Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Freddy Peralta (51) delivers during the first inning of a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals Friday, June 13, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)
Kayla Wolf
St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Erick Fedde (12) delivers during the first inning of a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers Friday, June 13, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)
Kayla Wolf
St. Louis Cardinals shortstop Masyn Winn throws to first base for the out on a grounder hit by Milwaukee Brewers' Caleb Durbin (not pictured) during the third inning of a baseball game Friday, June 13, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)
Kayla Wolf
Milwaukee Brewers' Sal Frelick hits an infield single during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals, Friday, June 13, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)
Kayla Wolf
St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Erick Fedde reacts after being hit by a line drive by Milwaukee Brewers' Sal Frelick during the fourth inning of a baseball game Friday, June 13, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)
Kayla Wolf
St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Erick Fedde stretches his arm and wrist after being hit by a line drive by Milwaukee Brewers' Sal Frelick during the fourth inning of a baseball game Friday, June 13, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)
Kayla Wolf
Milwaukee Brewers' William Contreras hits an RBI double during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals, Friday, June 13, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)
Kayla Wolf
Milwaukee Brewers' Sal Frelick scores on an RBI double by William Contreras during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals, Friday, June 13, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)
Kayla Wolf
Milwaukee Brewers' Sal Frelick, center, high-fives a teammate after scoring on an RBI double hit by William Contreras during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals, Friday, June 13, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)
Kayla Wolf
St. Louis Cardinals' Alec Burleson flaps his arms after hitting a double to deep left field during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers, Friday, June 13, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)
Kayla Wolf
St. Louis Cardinals' Nolan Arenado hits an RBI double during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers, Friday, June 13, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)
Kayla Wolf
St. Louis Cardinals' Alec Burleson scores on an RBI double by Nolan Arenado during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers, Friday, June 13, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)
Kayla Wolf
Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Brice Turang, left, misses a tag as St. Louis Cardinals' Nolan Arenado, right, makes it safely to second on an RBI double during the fifth inning of a baseball game Friday, June 13, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)
Kayla Wolf
Milwaukee Brewers' Sal Frelick, right, steals second against St. Louis Cardinals second baseman Nolan Gorman, left, during the sixth inning of a baseball game Friday, June 13, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)
Kayla Wolf
Milwaukee Brewers' Jackson Chourio (11) slides safely into second against St. Louis Cardinals second baseman Nolan Gorman, left, on a single to center field during the sixth inning of a baseball game Friday, June 13, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)
Kayla Wolf
Milwaukee Brewers' Christian Yelich hits an RBI single during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals, Friday, June 13, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)
Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Jared Koenig throws during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals, Friday, June 13, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)
Kayla Wolf
St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Steven Matz throws during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers, Friday, June 13, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)
Kayla Wolf
Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Jared Koenig throws during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals, Friday, June 13, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)
Kayla Wolf
St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Riley O'Brien throws during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals, Friday, June 13, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)
Kayla Wolf
Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Trevor Megill throws during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals, Friday, June 13, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)
Kayla Wolf
Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Trevor Megill reacts after the final out of a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals, Friday, June 13, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)
Kayla Wolf
St. Louis Cardinals' Victor Scott II hits an RBI single during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers, Friday, June 13, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)
Kayla Wolf
Milwaukee Brewers shortstop Joey Ortiz celebrates with Isaac Collins, right, after defeating the St. Louis Cardinals in a baseball game Friday, June 13, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)
From near his perch at Busch Stadium, where he calls games for the Cardinals' Spanish language broadcast, Polo Ascensio surveys the style of game, the style of play, and, yes, the style of his calls for the 2025 Cardinals.
The nine-game home stand did not lack for some compelling games -- though evidently there is some debate on how entertaining the opening innings of the Cardinals' 2-1 victory against the Dodgers was -- and that had to be reflected in the calls from all of the broadcast booths. Ahead of Toronto completing a series sweep of the Cardinals, Ascensio spoke with Post-Dispatch baseball writer Derrick Goold about those calls, about the enthusiasm and inspiration he brings to them as well as whether this team has made such energy easier with its style of play.
Ascensio also discusses the catching history of the Cardinals and the catching present, with background on how two members of the current team, Willson Contreras and Ivan Herrera, signed with the Cardinals specifically because of their fondness for former Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina. The podcast explores why Contreras stayed with the Cardinals when the team, pivoting toward youth, offered to trade him to a contender, and there a conversation about Herrera's future at catcher.
Ascensio's broadcasts with former catcher and former Cardinals ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Bengie Molina are available for every home game on WIJR/880 AM La Tremenda. There is hope from many parties in and around the Cardinals that the broadcasts will expand beyond home games, especially if the club continues to contend late into the season.
The Best Podcast in Baseball is in its 13th year as one of the first and most-downloaded baseball podcasts and a leader among the Cardinals-based podcasts. It is sponsored weekly by Closets by Design of St. Louis, and it is a production of the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, , and Derrick Goold. It is part of the constant Cardinals coverage available at and in the pages of the Post-Dispatch daily.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
To snap out of their slump, the Cardinals will need Erick Fedde to accomplish something he has long struggled with.
Fedde starts Friday in the second game of a four-game series, which starts Friday at 7:10 p.m. in Milwaukee.Â
The right-hander Fedde (3-5, 3.54 ERA) will need to slow the Brewers, and that's something he hasn't done much of in his career. His worst start of the season came in April vs. the Brewers, when he gave up seven earned runs in 5 2/3 innings.
Last year, his second-worst start and two of his nine worst of the season, as measured by Bill James' game score metric, came vs. the Brewers.
While with with the White Sox in late May, he gave up four earned runs in five innings. Then later with St. Louis, Fedde permitted two earned runs in 5 2/3.
In the last two seasons, Fedde sports a 7.16 ERA vs. Milwaukee and his team has lost all three games.
In his career, Fedde's 5.88 ERA vs. the Brewers is one of his worst numbers vs. any team against he has started against five or more times.
Of the four Cardinals starters who have pitched more than one game against the Brewers since the start of 2024, Fedde's 7.15 ERA with the Redbirds ranks last.
Brewers batters have hit .348 against him and put up an .869 OPS in those two appearances.
On a more positive note, underlying numbers may indicate improvement is likely. Fedde, in his last two starts vs. Miwaukee, is allowing just a 30% hard-hit rate, which is below his career averages.
The Brewers will start right-hander Freddy Peralta (5-4, 2.69 ERA). He put up a 2.42 ERA vs. St. Louis last season in four starts.
While he has sported a strong changeup for years, Peralta's fastball has been far more effective this year. Batters are hitting just .209 against the pitch, which he throws 59.7% of the time, which is more than any other starter.
Losers of five straight, the Cardinals are 36-33, third in the National League Central. Thursday's loss dropped the Cardinals out of second place for the first time in more than a month.
Since falling to a season-worst four games under .500 in mid-May, the Brewers (37-33) have gone 16-8Â to climb back into playoff contention.
How to watch Cardinals at Brewers
When:Â 7:10 p.m. Friday
Where:Â American Family Field in Milwaukee
TV/radio: FanDuel Sports Network Midwest (); KMOX (1120 AM and 104.1 FM), other stations in the as well as .
Victor Scott II, OF (hit by pitch on helmet): Scott is not in the lineup Friday after being struck by a pitch near his ear late in Thursday's game. Scott passed all of the concussion protocol tests on the field, remained in the game, and he felt fine late Thursday evening. The Cardinals said his absence from the lineup Friday is not related. Updated June 13
Jordan Walker, OF (left wrist inflammation): The young outfielder began a rehab assignment Thursday with Class AAA Memphis, going 0-for-2 with a walk and a strikeout in a game that was suspended in the fourth. The suspended game will resume Friday with Walker in right field, and he's scheduled to start the second game at designated hitter. The Cardinals expect him to return to the team Tuesday in Chicago at the latest. Updated June 13
Brendan Donovan, INF/OF (left toe inflammation): Dealing with inflammation in his left big toe that is considered "turf toe," Donovan has been outfitted with a carbon-fiber protector in his cleat to keep the toe from flexing too much. He's going through a full pregame workout Friday to determine if he can be available Saturday or Sunday. Updated June 13
Zach Thompson, LHP (shoulder, lat strain): Lefty returned to Jupiter, Florida, to resume a throwing program there after going through a battery of tests and exams in St. Louis. Strengthening is the goal before advancing. Updated June 13
Braced for rigorous stretch, Cardinals escape from losing spiral must begin with starters
MILWAUKEE — When asked late Thursday night what the Cardinals needed from starters like him and the rotation during a rigorous stretch of games that has pinwheeled into their first prolonged losing streak of the season, Sonny Gray was as direct and pointed with his word as he had difficulty being with his pitches.
“Outs,†he said.
The Brewers pounced on Gray for five runs in the fifth inning and cruised to a 6-0 victory against the Cardinals on Thursday at American Family Field. In the span of two swings, two pitches, and two batters, Gray allowed four runs — which was more than he had permitted total in the previous 29 2/3 innings. Jackson Churio’s two-run homer was the exclamation point that sent a ball 410 feet, ejected Gray from the game, and launched the Cardinals toward their fifth consecutive loss.
Cardinals starting pitcher Sonny Gray throws in the first inning against the Brewers on Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Milwaukee.
Kayla Wolf photos, Associated Press
In total, Gray got 13 of those outs.
To put it as directly and pointedly as him: Not enough.
“It wasn’t good,†Gray said. “I wasn’t good. We weren’t good. We’re not playing good. Just nothing good.â€
At the center of the Cardinals’ losing streak is what comes at the beginning of their games — and too often recently isn’t getting them deeper into those games.
It’s the rotation.
The Cardinals braced for a severe test during this stretch with contact-oriented clubs like Kansas City and Toronto bookending a visit to St. Louis by the defending World Series champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers. Once that nine-game home stand was finished, the Cardinals had their first National League Central series in five weeks with a visit to Milwaukee. To prepare, they first added innings to their bullpen to save some from starters early in the stretch. They promoted rookie Michael McGreevy to tag in and get the rotation an added day off. And they counted on that keeping the starters fresh and healthy.
Productive — that’s been lacking.
“We had an idea this would be the case going in,†Marmol said of the grind. “You try to limit it as much as possible. That’s why we’re turning through the arms the way we have to stay somewhat fresh. But you play a stretch that we’ve been playing with LA, knowing we’re going into Toronto, then these guys (the Brewers) — that’s part of it. Keep your head down.â€
Gray (7-2) was the fourth starter to take the loss during the losing streak.
He allowed six runs on eight through 4 1/3 innings, and that’s the shortest start in this stretch. Which has been a contributor to the turbulence. Rather than getting more from the starters following the proactive moves to save them innings, the Cardinals are seeing the rotation regress in the innings its provided. Opposite Clayton Kershaw in the first game of the losing streak, McGreevy pitched six innings. The innings have dipped to five and then 4 1/3.
Over the past five games, the Cardinals’ starters have allowed 40 hits in 26 1/3 innings. They have a 7.18 ERA and only Andre Pallante allowed fewer than four runs — in a no-decision that the Cardinals lost in extra innings.
That contrasts with the starts opponents threw at the Cardinals that not only include a few more outs — four to be direct and pointed — but far fewer runs.
Opposing starters have allowed 20 hits and seven runs in five games.
Not one of them was good as the Brewers’ rookie making his major-league debut Thursday night. Jacob Misiorowski, a ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ native, threw one of the swiftest pitches of the year at Class AAA against the Cardinals’ top affiliate to strike out Luken Baker a few weeks ago with a 103-mph fastball. Any scouting video did not do justice to the wiry, lithe, and easy mechanics of the 6-foot-7 Misiorowski as he greeted the Cardinals with three consecutive 100-mph pitches to begin his big-league career.
Within two batters of the game, he already reached 100 mph and threw the fastest pitch by a Brewers’ starter since 2008, when such data became consistently available.
He then touched 102 mph a few pitches later.
Misiorowski, who grew up in Grain Valley, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, caused some of the metrics to glitch as his changeup read as a sinker because of its velocity and he at least twice had a cut fastball clocked as a four-seam fastball. He held the Cardinals without a hit through five innings before leaving the game after rolling his ankle three pitches into the sixth inning. The Brewers announced later that he was experiencing cramping in his right calf and quadriceps.
Gray matched him zero for zero in three of the first four innings, and the Cardinals’ veteran pitched out of allowing more trouble in the second with a fortuitous liner to third baseman Nolan Arenado.
The third was a breeze.
The fourth, too.
He reached the fifth having retired seven consecutive batters but not feeling like he was overwhelming them as he did.
“Even in the first four, I didn’t feel great,†Gray said. “Felt like I was just getting by. Then the fifth happened. You walk the leadoff guy and you get very fortunate to (pick him off) and then have the next guy in an 0-2 count.â€
Gray recapped what happened next with a single, single, double, single, and then Chourio’s homer to dead-center field.
“Just unraveled right there,†he said.
The bulk of the damage came on back-to-back pitches as Sal Frelick tagged a 93.3-mph fastball for a two-run single. Chourio followed with his 12th home run of the season — a two-run shot off Gray’s 84.6-mph sweeping slider. Three of the hits and three of the runs came from the bottom three hitters in the Brewers’ lineup. The first six batters of the fifth inning reached base, five scored, and the only out Gray collected was a pickoff before turning the ball and the inning over to rookie Andre Granillo for his major-league debut.
“I wouldn’t say sped up,†catcher Pedro Page said. “It’s part of baseball. Wish we could have gotten ahead on more of those bottom-of-the-lineup hitters. We didn’t execute some pitches early and then we had to go into the zone and give-in, in a sense. I think it was more of the fact that we were just able to get ahead.â€
Some of the in-game decisions Marmol has made with the pitchers reflect the concern the Cardinals had for innings going into this stretch.
He stuck with Miles Mikolas for an extra inning in his most recent start to avoid using a reliever and possibly exhausting one of the young arms so that a roster move had to be made. On Thursday, he trusted in his No. 1 starter to navigate his way through the fifth inning just to cover a few more outs so that the bullpen didn’t have to. The dominos start to fall rapidly when a couple of starters fail to cover enough innings to avoid taxing the bullpen — and the losses tend to follow until a stopper emerges.
In hindsight, it may be Granillo who steadied the slide.
He pitched 2 2/3 scoreless innings to allow the Cardinals to collect the final 11 outs with two relievers. That keeps the high-leverage pitchers set for the remainder of the weekend series in Milwaukee, and if a game is going to involve them it’s got to begin — directly and pointedly — with the starter.
“I wouldn’t think of it as pressure, to be honest with you,†Marmol said. “Those guys they’re trying to get as deep into every game regardless of what kind of stretch we’re in. So, I don’t think it changes their mentality overall.â€
The Brewers’ Joey Ortiz, left, reacts after scoring on a two-RBI single hit by Sal Frelick during the fifth inning against the Cardinals on Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Milwaukee.
Jacob Misiorowski, a ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ native and top prospect for Milwaukee, pitched five no-hit innings and blitzed the Cardinals with fastballs in Brewers' 6-0 victory.
Photos: Cardinals blanked in series opener at Brewers
Cardinals starting pitcher Sonny Gray throws in the first inning against the Brewers on Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Milwaukee.
Kayla Wolf photos, Associated Press
Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Jacob Misiorowski, center, runs onto the field to warm up for his major league debut in a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals, Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)
Kayla Wolf
Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Jacob Misiorowski (33) walks through the dugout before warming up for his major league debut in a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals, Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)
Kayla Wolf
Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Jacob Misiorowski throws against St. Louis Cardinals' Lars Nootbaar as he makes his major league debut during the first inning of a baseball game Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)
Kayla Wolf
Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Jacob Misiorowski throws against St. Louis Cardinals' Lars Nootbaar as he makes his major league debut during the first inning of a baseball game Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)
Kayla Wolf
St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Sonny Gray throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers, Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)
Kayla Wolf
Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Rhys Hoskins fields a ground ball hit by St. Louis Cardinals' Lars Nootbaar for an out during the first inning of a baseball game Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)
Kayla Wolf
Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Jacob Misiorowski throws his first strikeout, against St. Louis Cardinals' Willson Contreras, as he makes his major league debut during the second inning of a baseball game Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)
Kayla Wolf
Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Jacob Misiorowski reacts after throwing his first strikeout, against St. Louis Cardinals' Willson Contreras, as he makes his major league debut during the second inning of a baseball game Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)
Kayla Wolf
Milwaukee Brewers' Isaac Collins (6) reacts to hitting a triple to deep right field during the second inning of a baseball game against St. Louis Cardinals, Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)
Milwaukee Brewers' Joey Ortiz hits a double to right field during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals, Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)
Kayla Wolf
Milwaukee Brewers' Brice Turang scores on an RBI double hit by Joey Ortiz during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals, Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)
Kayla Wolf
Milwaukee Brewers' Joey Ortiz, right, reacts after hitting an RBI double as St. Louis Cardinals shortstop Masyn Winn, left, looks to the outfield during the fifth inning of a baseball Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)
The Brewers’ Joey Ortiz, left, reacts after scoring on a two-RBI single hit by Sal Frelick during the fifth inning against the Cardinals on Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Milwaukee.
Kayla Wolf, Associated Press
Milwaukee Brewers' Caleb Durbin, right, high-fives teammates after scoring on a two-RBI single hit by Sal Frelick (not shown) during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals, Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)
Kayla Wolf
Milwaukee Brewers' Jackson Chourio watches his home run during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals, Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)
Kayla Wolf
Milwaukee Brewers' Jackson Chourio reacts after hitting a home run during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals, Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)
Kayla Wolf
Milwaukee Brewers' Jackson Chourio, center, high-fives teammates after hitting a home run during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals, Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)
Kayla Wolf
St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Andre Granillo throws against Milwaukee Brewers' Isaac Collins during his major league debut in the sixth inning of a baseball game Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)
Kayla Wolf
Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Jacob Misiorowski, left, walks off the field with head athletic trainer Brad Epstein, second from left, during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals, Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)
Kayla Wolf
Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Jacob Misiorowski high-fives teammates after exiting a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals due to an ankle injury during the sixth inning of his major league debut Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)
Kayla Wolf
St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Andre Granillo throws during his major league debut during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers, Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)
Kayla Wolf
St. Louis Cardinals pitcher John King throws during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers, Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)
Kayla Wolf
Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Aaron Ashby throws during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals, Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)
Kayla Wolf
Milwaukee Brewers third baseman Caleb Durbin, front, throws out St. Louis Cardinals' Iván Herrera at first base during the ninth inning of a baseball game Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)
Kayla Wolf
Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Brice Turang (2) and shortstop Joey Ortiz, right, celebrate after winning a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals, Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)
Andy Van Slyke questions Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley’s fortitude on radio show
The Cardinals' Andy Van Slyke pours champagne on teammate Tito Landrum in the club's dressing room after the Cardinals beat the Dodgers 7-5 on Oct. 16, 1985 in Los Angeles to win the National League pennant in six games.
Associated Press
Andy Van Slyke wasn’t one to mince words when he was a high-caliber Major League Baseball player who spent his most productive years with the Cardinals in the mid-1980s and the Pittsburgh Pirates for another eight seasons becoming a big league ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ for several years.
He still isn’t afraid to share his opinions, which is why Frank Cusumano has him as the Monday night guest on his “Press Box†show that airs at 6 o’clock on KTRS (550 AM). in his appearance this week with his pointed commentary about the Cardinals, especially closer Ryan Helsley’s level of tenacity.
Part of the discussion centered on the idea of team’s starting pitchers working six innings before others come in to pave the way for Helsley to enter the game in the ninth. The club has had him in the traditional closer role (usually pitching in the ninth inning with the team ahead) since last season after previously using him occasionally in key situations earlier in games. It was a mutual decision to try to keep him sharp for late-season appearances, though Van Slyke wants to see Helsley more often.
“Hopefully our closer wants the ball, which is not always the case,†Van Slyke said. “There’s plenty of times he doesn’t want the ball. How many times have you seen him pitch three days in a row? Or two games in a row?â€
The answer is that he has pitched on back-to-back days four times this season (in 24 appearances) but not three days in a row.
“Sometimes you’ve got to know your body, right?†Cusumano asks Van Slyke.
Van Slyke responds: “Sometimes you’ve got to know the win’s more important than maybe not feeling good. Think about it. If you play five years, 10 years, 15 years in the big leagues — I know plenty of players that don’t want to go play because they don’t feel good. But the gamers, they’re the ones who go out and play whether they feel good or not, or grab the ball whether they feel good or not.
“Here’s the thing — I’m not so sure he understands the difference between being hurt and being sore.â€
Helsley had 49 saves last year to lead the majors, with four blown chances and an earned-run average of 2.04. But this time, now through about 43% of the season, he had just 13 saves, a 3.75 ERA and five blown saves — including three in a row.
Brewers rookie buzzsaws through Cardinals in MLB debut, sending them to 5th straight loss
MILWAUKEE — The Cardinals reached their first visit to Milwaukee of the season and their first National League Central series in five weeks looking to halt their recent history.
Instead they played spectators to a start that will go down in Brewers history.
Rookie Jacob Misiorowski, the high-powered right-hander and ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ native, made his major-league debut with five sterling, no-hit innings against the Cardinals. Misiorowski announced his presence with authority as his first three pitches all topped 100 mph, and within minutes of his debut had thrown the fastest pitch by a Brewers starter since at least 2008 and topped out at 102.2 mph. It would get more difficult for the Cardinals from there in a 6-0 loss to Milwaukee Thursday night at American Family Field.
Five of those runs came in a ruinous fifth inning for Sonny Gray that featured more runs in the span of two swings that he had allowed in almost 30 previous innings. Brewers outfielder Jackson Chourio drilled the two-run homer that chased Gray from his start six runs and 4 1/3 innings and effectively turned taut, rivalry game into a rout.
The Cardinals tumble into a five-game losing streak.
A native of Blue Springs, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, who grew up in Grain Valley and attended college in Neosho, Misiorowski grew up a Royals fan but said he saw plenty of Cardinals’ games in his youth. The 23-year-old’s parents made the drive up for his big-league debut wearing shirts that read they were there to see the “MIZ,†his nickname. They were not disappointed as he sped through the Cardinals’ lineup, getting nine outs from the first nine batters he faced.
He walked four but only one got as far as second base.
Against the Brewers’ third pitcher of the game, the Cardinals got their first hit when Willson Contreras grounded a ball up the middle to lead off the seventh. He was thrown out trying to advance a few pitches later, and despite two more hits the Cardinals did not generate a run in the inning.
The two division rivals began the game with the same amount of wins (36).
Brewer brilliant in debut
Misiorowski’s five no-hit innings made him one of the few rookies to debut with that many innings and that few hits. Dodgers’ rookie Emmet Sheehan had six no-hit innings in his debut in 2023, and back in 2018 the Cardinals’ Daniel Ponce de Leon pitched seven no-hit innings in his big-league debut at Cincinnati. (Ponce de Leon was removed after throwing 116 pitches to get 21 outs on July 23, 2018, and the game was lost in the ninth.)
There’s no telling how deep Misiorowski, the Brewers’ second-round pick in 2022, could have gone before rolling his right ankle at the beginning of the sixth and experienced leg cramping.
He was in complete control of the Cardinals.
He confounded both them and Statcast.
The rookie right-hander’s first big-league strikeout started the second when he buzzed Contreras with a 95.7-mph pitch. The in-house radar described it as a four-seam fastball, but given its movement and the fact his fastball is has higher horsepower the pitch was actually a cutter. In the fifth inning, Misiorowski got ahead on Nolan Gorman with back-to-back fastballs at 99 mph. The lanky righty then got Gorman to fish after a 92.4-mph pitch that the data called a sinker. With the fade and movement of the pitch is more likely a changeup.
The heat came next as Misiorowski finished the inning with a 101.1-mph fastball that Pedro Pages couldn’t catch. That was Misiorowski’s fifth and final strikeout.
Fifth erupts on Gray
The inning began benignly enough with leadoff walk and a prompt pickoff at first for an out.
It would end as a pitching line calamity with the Cardinals’ starter, Gray, giving up as many runs on back-to-back pitches as he had in his previous 29 1/3 innings combined.
After Isaac Collins walked to first base to begin the inning and then walked to the dugout once Gray picked him off, Milwaukee’s lineup rapped six consecutive hits against the right-hander. They got increasingly louder as singles led to a double, and Chourio punctuated the inning with a home run to dead-center field. The inning seemed to come unraveled fast on Gray despite attempts by him and visiting pitching ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Dusty Blake to slow things down.
Brice Turang restarted the rally with a single.
Washington University product Caleb Durbin extended it with a single, and speedy No. 9 hitter Joey Ortiz ignited the scoring with an RBI double to right field. Ortiz’s extra-base hit put him and Durbin in scoring position, and when leadoff hitter Sal Frelick flipped a single to left field, Ortiz dashed around third and headed one two strides behind Durbin.
The runs scored widened the Brewers’ lead to 4-0, and they matched in one inning the total number of runs Gray had allowed in his previous four starts.
The Cardinals’ right-hander had started to polish an All-Star bid with four consecutive quality starts, three of which were chock full of zeroes. In his previous start, Gray held the Dodgers scoreless through 6 1/3 innings. He shut out Texas for seven the start before that, and the run began with six shutout innings against Detroit.
The Brewers weren’t done.
The next pitch after Frelick’s single was an 84.-6 mph sweeper that Chourio launched 410 feet for a two-run bolt. The second-year center fielder’s 12th homer of the season gave the Brewers a 6-0 lead.
In the span of two batters and two pitches, Gray allowed four RBIs – or as many as he had allowed in the previous 29 2/3 innings before the disastrous fifth.
Scott struck, stays in
Cardinals center fielder Scott was struck near his ear by a curveball to lead off the eighth inning. Scott took several moments to recover and get to his feet, and he was met there by the Cardinals’ head athletic trainer and manager Oliver Marmol. Scott went through a series of tests on the field per concussion protocols. He remained in the game to take his base, and he trotted out to center field to start the bottom of the inning.
‘Brew City’ gulps
Three pitches into the sixth inning, the Brewers’ athletic trainer and manager emerged from the dugout and headed to the mound while a ballpark went silent.
On the mound was their prized pitching prospect in the midst of his hitless debut, and now a trainer was out talking to him about his health.
After delivering a pitch to Cardinals’ No. 9 hitter Victor Scott II, Misiorowski appeared to roll his right ankle on the slant of the mound. It collapsed on him as he caught a cleat’s edge. The right-hander regained his footing and was standing comfortable as he spoke with manager Pat Murphy. Misiorowski walked off the field with the trainer under what appeared to be an abundance of caution for the rookie in his first big-league game. An official said late Thursday that the rookie experienced cramping in his right calf and quadriceps muscles.
Cardinals infielder and outfielder Brendan Donovan speaks with the media on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, after a loss to Toronto to end a homestand at Busch Stadium in St. Louis. (Video by Ethan Erickson, Post-Dispatch)
Photos: Cardinals blanked in series opener at Brewers
Cardinals starting pitcher Sonny Gray throws in the first inning against the Brewers on Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Milwaukee.
Kayla Wolf photos, Associated Press
Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Jacob Misiorowski, center, runs onto the field to warm up for his major league debut in a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals, Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)
Kayla Wolf
Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Jacob Misiorowski (33) walks through the dugout before warming up for his major league debut in a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals, Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)
Kayla Wolf
Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Jacob Misiorowski throws against St. Louis Cardinals' Lars Nootbaar as he makes his major league debut during the first inning of a baseball game Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)
Kayla Wolf
Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Jacob Misiorowski throws against St. Louis Cardinals' Lars Nootbaar as he makes his major league debut during the first inning of a baseball game Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)
Kayla Wolf
St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Sonny Gray throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers, Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)
Kayla Wolf
Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Rhys Hoskins fields a ground ball hit by St. Louis Cardinals' Lars Nootbaar for an out during the first inning of a baseball game Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)
Kayla Wolf
Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Jacob Misiorowski throws his first strikeout, against St. Louis Cardinals' Willson Contreras, as he makes his major league debut during the second inning of a baseball game Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)
Kayla Wolf
Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Jacob Misiorowski reacts after throwing his first strikeout, against St. Louis Cardinals' Willson Contreras, as he makes his major league debut during the second inning of a baseball game Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)
Kayla Wolf
Milwaukee Brewers' Isaac Collins (6) reacts to hitting a triple to deep right field during the second inning of a baseball game against St. Louis Cardinals, Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)
Milwaukee Brewers' Joey Ortiz hits a double to right field during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals, Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)
Kayla Wolf
Milwaukee Brewers' Brice Turang scores on an RBI double hit by Joey Ortiz during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals, Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)
Kayla Wolf
Milwaukee Brewers' Joey Ortiz, right, reacts after hitting an RBI double as St. Louis Cardinals shortstop Masyn Winn, left, looks to the outfield during the fifth inning of a baseball Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)
The Brewers’ Joey Ortiz, left, reacts after scoring on a two-RBI single hit by Sal Frelick during the fifth inning against the Cardinals on Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Milwaukee.
Kayla Wolf, Associated Press
Milwaukee Brewers' Caleb Durbin, right, high-fives teammates after scoring on a two-RBI single hit by Sal Frelick (not shown) during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals, Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)
Kayla Wolf
Milwaukee Brewers' Jackson Chourio watches his home run during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals, Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)
Kayla Wolf
Milwaukee Brewers' Jackson Chourio reacts after hitting a home run during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals, Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)
Kayla Wolf
Milwaukee Brewers' Jackson Chourio, center, high-fives teammates after hitting a home run during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals, Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)
Kayla Wolf
St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Andre Granillo throws against Milwaukee Brewers' Isaac Collins during his major league debut in the sixth inning of a baseball game Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)
Kayla Wolf
Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Jacob Misiorowski, left, walks off the field with head athletic trainer Brad Epstein, second from left, during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals, Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)
Kayla Wolf
Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Jacob Misiorowski high-fives teammates after exiting a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals due to an ankle injury during the sixth inning of his major league debut Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)
Kayla Wolf
St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Andre Granillo throws during his major league debut during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers, Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)
Kayla Wolf
St. Louis Cardinals pitcher John King throws during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers, Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)
Kayla Wolf
Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Aaron Ashby throws during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals, Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)
Kayla Wolf
Milwaukee Brewers third baseman Caleb Durbin, front, throws out St. Louis Cardinals' Iván Herrera at first base during the ninth inning of a baseball game Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)
Kayla Wolf
Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Brice Turang (2) and shortstop Joey Ortiz, right, celebrate after winning a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals, Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)
Kayla Wolf
How pitch Andre Granillo learned from All-Star closer gives Cardinals the whiff they need
Cardinals pitchers Andre Granillo, right, and Max Rajcic throw in the bullpen on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025, during spring training at the team’s facility in Jupiter, Fla.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
MILWAUKEE — When he saw the area code glow on the face of his phone — Memphis’ 901 — Andre Granillo thought, briefly, that this call might be The Call, but that flickering sensation didn’t lead to any certainty when he heard he was headed to the Cardinals.
“Are you serious?†he recalled asking Ben Johnson, Class AAA Memphis’ manager.
“Yeah,†came the reply Granillo remembered. “I wouldn’t joke about that.â€
Granillo’s roommate, fellow Triple-A prospect Michael McGreevy, seized him in a congratulatory hug. The next call to make was Granillo’s to dial, and he reached his mom.
“Then the waterworks came out,†he said. “I’m not afraid to say it. I cried.â€
A promotion at least a week and dozens of strikeouts in the making arrived Thursday as the Cardinals brought Granillo to the majors to bring a whiff of depth and potential to the bullpen. The right-hander has 46 strikeouts in 29 2/3 innings for the Cardinals’ top affiliate, and his 13.96 strikeouts per nine innings leads all pitchers in the Pacific Coast League who have faced at least 90 batters.
Granillo struck out 39.6% of the 116 batters he’s faced.
He has more appearances this season (18) than hits allowed (17), and opponents are only getting hits in 15.9% of their at-bats against the strapping, 6-foot-4 right-hander.
“The reports have been good,†said manager Oliver Marmol, who earlier in the week used a colorful adjective to describe how “great†the evaluations were of the right-hander. “Look at the swings and miss — it’s impressive. Being able to bring him up here and see what it looks like against big-league hitters is something I’m looking forward to.â€
Granillo’s promotion was part of a series of moves the Cardinals made ahead of their four-game series against division rival Milwaukee.
The Cardinals optioned right-hander Chris Roycroft to Memphis to create room on the active roster and in the bullpen for Granillo. The Cardinals also designated outfielder Ryan Vilade for assignment so they could open a spot on the 40-player roster for Granillo. Center fielder Michael Siani returned from Class AAA Memphis to take Vilade’s spot on the bench.
During Toronto’s series sweep in St. Louis, the Cardinals pitching staff’s lack of swing and miss was highlighted by the Blues Jays’ constant-contact lineup. The Cardinals rank 29th in the majors with a rate of 7.14 strikeouts per nine, ahead of only the crumbling Colorado Rockies’ 6.92. The Cardinals bullpen’s strikeouts-per-nine rate of 7.47 ranks last in the majors, just behind the division-leading Chicago Cubs’ 7.49.
To bullpen options, Granillo adds a pitch he learned from a former Cardinals reliever.
As a freshman at UC-Riverside, his ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ and former Cardinals reliever Troy Percival suggested he needed a pitch other than his curveball to get swings and misses. Percival showed Granillo the grip for a cut fastball, and with Granillo’s delivery, the pitch had a bigger bend to it and became a hard, biting slider.
“I never looked back,†Granillo said.
The Cardinals selected him the 14th round of the 2021 draft, and Granillo rose steadily through the minors, even arriving at big league spring training in 2023 as an off-the-radar reliever who could contribute at some point. Granillo had a 1.47 ERA in his first 14 appearances at Class AA Springfield (ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥) that season and earned a promotion to Triple-A Memphis, where his season stalled. In 46 2/3 innings he struck out 57 but walked 31.
He had to look elsewhere for a solution and found it after a blunt challenge from a personal pitching ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Brandon James, in San Diego.
“The glaring thing was my walks,†Granillo said. “He didn’t sugarcoat it: ‘You’re not ready to be a big leaguer because you walk everybody.’ I was like, ‘You’re right.’ If I don’t punch them out, I walk them. They weren’t hitting me. It was a slap in the face to hear him say, ‘Here is what you need to do.’ And that’s what we worked on all offseason.â€
The goals were tangible.
Granillo had to get his change-up in the zone for a strike so it could not be dismissed. He needed to be comfortable and confident throwing the slider in any count for a strike or for a chase pitch out of the zone. His fastball plays up in the zone at 94 mph or 95 mph, and to keep hitters off it, he needed the slider to operate at different levels, too. The work Granillo did to pull all of those pitches into the zone has paid off with only eight walks this season and one of the lowest WHIPs (walks and hits per inning pitched) in the minors, at 0.84. Oh, and a promotion.
Granillo made a series of calls, contacting his agent finally on the way to the airport. And the texts started flowing after the official move. For every one he replied to “three more come in,†he said. And all of that is before the next call he’s set to receive, to one that really signals his arrival in the majors.
With no area code necessary, it comes on the bullpen phone.
“Hopefully I can provide it any way possible whether it’s up 10, down 10, up one, down 1,†Granillo said. “(Runners on) second and third, clean inning, dirty inning — it doesn’t matter. I feel like I can go in there and get the job done.â€
Cardinals second baseman Brendan Donovan hits a single during a game against the Blue Jays on Monday, June 9, 2025, at Busch Stadium.
Eli Randolph, Post-Dispatch
Donovan and Walker updates
Brendan Donovan did some light workouts, running and played catch Thursday afternoon at American Family Field, but the team planned to treat the series opener as an off-day for the infielder who is dealing with a sprain in his left big toe. The Cardinals plan to delay any decision about the injured list until at least Friday, but they do not expect to plan the entire series in Milwaukee shorthanded by Donovan’s sore foot.
“He came in and felt a lot better,†Marmol said.
Outfielder Jordan Walker officially began his rehab assignment Thursday night with Class AAA Memphis, batting second and starting in right field. He joined the Redbirds in Gwinnett, Georgia, not too far from where he grew up. A key test for Walker will be how he recovers day to day, and if his wrist soreness does not resurface his return could be swift.
Triple-A K-rate king promoted to face Brewers in series of roster moves by Cardinals
MILWAUKEE — One of the things that the Cardinals have been chasing out of the bullpen and really throughout their pitching staff this season is someone who does the same to hitters — gets them chasing.
The reliever who has done it as well as any one in Class AAA is on his way to see how his stuff plays in the majors.
Andre Granillo, a strapping 25-year-old right-hander, was promoted to the Cardinals' active roster ahead of the four-game division series that opens in Milwaukee on Thursday night. Granillo has struck out 46 batters in 29 2/3 innings for the Cardinals' Class AAA affiliate in Memphis. His 13.96 strikeout-per-nine rate leads the Pacific Coast League for all pitchers who have faced at least 90 batters.
He's faced 116 and struck out 39.6% of them.
The Cardinals made a series of roster moves on Thursday afternoon before facing the defending National League Central champions.
They demoted right-hander Chris Roycroft to Triple-A Memphis and recalled outfielder Michael Siani. To make room on the 40-player roster, the Cardinals designated outfielder Ryan Vilade for assignment. Siani takes Vilade's spot on the active roster, and Granillo takes the opening on the 40-player roster.
For Granillo, his first pitch in the majors will be his MLB debut.
Asked about the 6-foot-5 right-hander this past week, Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said the reports from Memphis about his success were "great." He added an enthusiastic adjective to further describe them. When asked if there was anything "under the hood" in Granillo's metrics profile that suggested his pitches would not adjust well to the majors, Marmol shook his head and said they looked just as sharp.
Left unsaid by the manager was how Granillo not being on the 40-player roster was the reason he wasn't promoted earlier or part of the ongoing churn of relievers through the year.
The move Thursday introduces him to the relay race of relievers.
The Cardinals drafted the California native out of UC-Riverside in the 14th round of the 2021 draft. He arrived in major-league spring training in 2024 as something of a sleeper pick to emerge at some point as a factor in the Cardinals' bullpen machinations. Granillo had a 1.47 ERA in Class AA Springfield a year ago, and that earned a promotion to Memphis, where he spent the rest of the season. The call to the majors never came.
He finished the year with 80 strikeouts in 65 innings and an 8-2 record with a 3.88 ERA in 48 appearances.
This season, at the same level, he's been even better.
Granillo has allowed fewer hits (17) than he has appearances (18). His 0.84 walks-and-hits-per-inning (WHIP) is among the best at his level, and he's held opponents to a .159 batting average.
Put another way: He's striking out more than twice as many batters as he's allowing hits.
Granillo will be available out of the bullpen Thursday night.
He will wear No. 65.
A member of the Cardinals' opening day roster, Siani has hit .263/.348/.459 for a .799 OPS in 33 games since a demotion to Class AAA Memphis. He hit five homers with 17 RBIs and 22 runs scored for the Redbirds.
Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol speaks with the media on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, after a third straight loss to Toronto to end a homestand at Busch Stadium in St. Louis. (Video by Ethan Erickson, Post-Dispatch)
Polo Ascensio joins BPIB to (enthusiastically!) call it like he sees it on Cardinals' style
From near his perch at Busch Stadium, where he calls games for the Cardinals' Spanish language broadcast, Polo Ascensio surveys the style of game, the style of play, and, yes, the style of his calls for the 2025 Cardinals.
The nine-game home stand did not lack for some compelling games -- though evidently there is some debate on how entertaining the opening innings of the Cardinals' 2-1 victory against the Dodgers was -- and that had to be reflected in the calls from all of the broadcast booths. Ahead of Toronto completing a series sweep of the Cardinals, Ascensio spoke with Post-Dispatch baseball writer Derrick Goold about those calls, about the enthusiasm and inspiration he brings to them as well as whether this team has made such energy easier with its style of play.
Ascensio also discusses the catching history of the Cardinals and the catching present, with background on how two members of the current team, Willson Contreras and Ivan Herrera, signed with the Cardinals specifically because of their fondness for former Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina. The podcast explores why Contreras stayed with the Cardinals when the team, pivoting toward youth, offered to trade him to a contender, and there a conversation about Herrera's future at catcher.
Ascensio's broadcasts with former catcher and former Cardinals ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Bengie Molina are available for every home game on WIJR/880 AM La Tremenda. There is hope from many parties in and around the Cardinals that the broadcasts will expand beyond home games, especially if the club continues to contend late into the season.
The Best Podcast in Baseball is in its 13th year as one of the first and most-downloaded baseball podcasts and a leader among the Cardinals-based podcasts. It is sponsored weekly by Closets by Design of St. Louis, and it is a production of the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, , and Derrick Goold. It is part of the constant Cardinals coverage available at and in the pages of the Post-Dispatch daily.
A foot injury that led to a cleat change and an erosion of his mechanics and velocity has been correct, closers feels, despite a third blown save this home stand.
The Dodgers got an eyeful of the Cardinals' defense that’s harder to get through than red tape, and a versatile, resourceful offense in their weekend visit to St. Louis.
