The St. Louis Cardinals (38-37) are still within striking distance for the NL Central crown near the season's midpoint. Now, the “Cards” are getting back a crucial bullpen arm as they try to shrink their 5.5-game deficit of the Milwaukee Brewers.
Right-handed pitcher Giovanny Gallegos has healed from his shoulder injury, via MLB.com.
“Gallegos, who had been on the injured list since May 6 with a right shoulder impingement, was activated on Friday,” the site wrote. “Gallegos, who struggled earlier this season while compiling a 2-1 record and a 12.00 ERA over 13 appearances, rejoined the club in Miami on Monday, but the Cardinals waited until after Thursday night’s 6-5 win over the Giants at Rickwood Field to activate the veteran reliever.”
While Gallegos has had a horrid start this year, he still sports a 3.53 ERA across 303 career appearances.”El Yaqui” also has 45 saves out of 69 opportunities and 78 holds.
Gallegos joins a pitching staff that's performed at an average level thus far, ranking 15th with a 3.95 ERA. If the 32-year-old can get back to his usual form, he should be able to slightly raise that ranking.
However, it's not all rainbows and unicorns on the injury front for St. Louis.
The Cardinals have suffered other injuries since Gallegos' return
While the Cards gained a player, they sent another one to the IL as well. Catcher Ivan Herrera was placed on the 10-day IL due to back tightness, via MLB.com.
“Herrera, who had recently lost catching reps to rookie Pedro Pagés, was placed on the 10-day injured list, retroactive to June 19, because of lower back tightness,” the site wrote. “Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said that Herrera injured his back picking up an equipment bag. Herrera, who is hitting .279 with three homers and 19 RBIs in 54 games, was unavailable to play in Thursday’s Rickwood Field Game because of back pain.”
To make matters worse, center field Michael Siani (bruised ribs) and third baseman Nolan Arenado (left forearm discomfort) both left the game early on Saturday due to their respective ailment. Luckily, though, Siani's X-rays were negative.
The team's litany of injuries has caused several roster moves. Catcher Nick Raposo was called up to fill in for the injured Willson Contreras, via Rob Rains of The South County Times. However, Contreras could be back by Monday, so Raposo's time in the big leagues could be short-lived.
While St. Louis' ailments are an inconvenience, there's no excuse for the team to not stay in the wild card race. The Cardinals still have most of their core players in the lineup, and with Gallegos back, they'll be slightly better equipped for late-game pressure situations.
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