Alex Reyes’ rehab stint as he makes his way back from Tommy John surgery has been the stuff of legend. The vaunted prospect has fired 23 scoreless innings with a ridiculous 44-to-7 K/BB ratio in that time and, in what is almost certain to be his final rehab appearance, punched out nine consecutive hitters last night.
It’s already known that the Cardinals, who initially were mulling a bullpen role for Reyes upon his return, plan to use him in the rotation. President of baseball ops John Mozeliak reinforced that idea following last night’s start, writes Rick Hummel of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, saying Reyes is “likely” to be in the rotation and, more interestingly, indicating that he won’t be restricted in terms of innings. With a late-May start to Reyes’ workload, Mozeliak tells Hummel, “I don’t think he will have a cap.”
That’s not to say, of course, that the Cardinals won’t exercise caution with regard to Reyes’ workload. Logic would dictate that he could be eased back into the rotation in terms of pitch count early on, and with as many as six other rotation options at their disposal, the Cardinals can afford to get Reyes an extra day of rest here or there depending on how his body responds after not throwing a single regular-season pitch last year due to Tommy John surgery.
[Related: St. Louis Cardinals depth chart]
Reyes will step back into a rotation mix also featuring Miles Mikolas, Luke Weaver, Michael Wacha, fellow prospect Jack Flaherty and swingman John Gant, with ace Carlos Martinez also on the mend from a strained lat muscle. (Hummel notes that Martinez’s return from the DL could follow Reyes’ own activation in relatively short order). It’s not entirely clear how the Cards plan to divide up the workload, though pitching coach Mike Maddux rightly noted that any club would welcome the opportunity to have to gameplan for that sort of “problem.” Maddux also points out that the depth will be of particular use following the All-Star break, as the Cards open the second half with six games in a span of five days.
The exact date of Reyes’ highly anticipated return hasn’t been set, though it seems likely to come at some point early next week in a key series against the division-leading Brewers. While that return won’t mark the MLB debut for Reyes, who pitched 46 innings for the Cardinals in 2016, it’ll mark the latest in a recent series of promotions for the game’s next young wave of stars. Shohei Ohtani, Ronald Acuna, Gleyber Torres and Juan Soto (among others) have all debuted to considerable fanfare this season and provided several memorable moments. Reyes looks likely to be the next to step into that spotlight as yet another impressive young talent who’ll be expected to play a key role on a contending club.
Martinez, Reyes, Flaherty, Mikolas, Weaver, Wacha- WATCH OUT!
Blue Jays trade Donaldson for Reyes!!!!
ZEEERRRRROOOOOO chance the Cardinals trade thee best pitching prospect in all the land for a 2 or 3 month rental.
Im in awe that you would even think that was possible.
Lol
The bath salts are strong in this one!
HAHAHAHAHAHA !
Insane looking rotation, but if the cards feel confident in securing Donaldson long term…it’s possible, rotation great, offends not so much…
Offence*
offense
In Canada it’s actually spelt with a C. So he’s not wrong
offense. your welcome
You’re…you’re welcome
This is a wish more than anything lol I’m over Donaldson cuz Vlad Jr. is on his way and the Jays rotation needs a major upgrade…very bitter since then Dickey / Syndergaard trade
Jmac2121 the Cardinals have seemed to always covet Donaldson and I’m sure if the Jays wanted to trade him and were realistic about the trade it would get done…but no way Reyes…Cardinals have plenty of pitching and outfield depth to get it done and I think would be glad to give up less for Donaldson than Manny…plus Donaldson would probably be easier to resign
I mean I like Donaldson but you can’t be serious that the Cardinals would give up Reyes for him…They wouldn’t give up Flaherty or weaver for Donaldson lol and if they are looking to give up Reyes for Offense I heard there is this guy Manny Machado that might be available…I’m almost positive Reyes would sway the Os with that trade…but realistically that would also never happen
You are wrong. There is no way at all St Louis trades Reyes for Donaldson … zero chance!
The cardinals will never in a million years trade Reyes for 3 months of Donaldson. You are completely delusional
Or for Machado either !
You MIGHT get Weaver for a Donaldson rental. That’s being nice. Reyes would be a centerpiece for Trout the way he is throwing right now.
I believe Reyes has reached the mid 90’s in regards to pitch count during his rehab so I don’t think there will be much stretching out to do.
IF, and thats is a giant IF Reyes were to be traded for anyone, it would be Machado not Donaldson
IF, and thats is a giant IF Reyes were to be traded for anyone, it would be for someone that’s not a rental.
The Cardinals FO needs to start thinking about what they can do to get some offense in St.Louis because we are wasting good pitching with no wins or win streaks because this offense or lack of is just terrible…..Ok Mo time to earn your money and figure out how to get some offense and the guys who are not producing now going in the right direction.
You win with pitching and defense! The hitting will come around . The Cards are a 2nd half team !