The Cardinals' recent decision to place JoJo Romero on the injured list with appendicitis has sparked a series of strategic moves. This development has opened up opportunities for other players, including the addition of Scott Blewett to the active roster. The team's retooling efforts, particularly around players nearing free agency, have been a key focus.
Romero, a 29-year-old right-hander, has been a subject of trade rumors for some time. With his impending free agency after this season, the Cardinals have been cautious in their dealings. Despite shipping out other players in the offseason, they couldn't find a suitable offer for Romero, keeping him in St. Louis. This situation now positions him as a potential trade candidate this summer, despite the setback of his injury.
Romero's performance this season has been respectable, with a 3.35 ERA in 43 innings. His strikeout and walk rates are close to average, while his ground ball rate is notably better than the norm. This aligns with his career profile, which includes a 3.51 ERA and similar strikeout and walk rates over 235 innings. However, the injury will impact his trade value, as injured players can still be traded but may be less appealing.
The Cardinals' only southpaw reliever, Justin Bruihl, is also having an okay season with a 3.55 ERA in 46.3 innings. Bruihl's soft-tosser style and low-90s fastball contribute to his performance. The team's pitching swap will temporarily add another righty, Scott Blewett, who signed a minor league deal and triggered an opt-out clause.
Blewett's results in Triple-A were average, with a 5.18 ERA and a high batting average on balls in play. However, his strikeout, walk, and ground ball rates were all positive. This combination of factors has earned him another shot in the big leagues, with a 4.21 ERA in 72.3 innings. If things don't work out, Blewett is out of options.
The pitching swap also leads to the loss of Yohel Pozo's roster spot. Pozo, a solid defender, has been a depth option for the Cardinals for over a year. He has hit poorly in the big leagues, with a .233/.259/.358 line, but has a better profile in Triple-A. The team's enviable catching depth, including Iván Herrera, Jimmy Crooks, Pedro Pagés, Leo Bernal, and Rainiel Rodriguez, makes Pozo somewhat expendable.
Despite his current slump, Pozo's solid defense and decent Triple-A performance (.321/.343/.545 from 2021 to 2025) make him a potential trade asset. Clubs in need of catching depth may show interest, and the Cardinals have the flexibility to take their time with the waiver process, which could last up to five days.
