The Cardinals have signed righty Jacob Barnes to a minor league deal. He made his organizational debut with Triple-A Memphis this evening, tossing 1 2/3 innings of middle relief.
Barnes is on his third minor league deal of the season. He signed with the Rangers and made 13 appearances for Texas’ top affiliate. Barnes posted a 2.21 ERA in 20 1/3 innings but didn’t have particularly strong strikeout and walk numbers. The Rangers released him in late May and he caught on with the Phillies a week later.
The 33-year-old spent around six weeks in the Philadelphia system. He allowed 11 runs (seven earned) in 13 innings before being released last week. Between the two clubs, he owns a 2.97 ERA in 33 1/3 Triple-A frames. Barnes has a below-average 19.3% strikeout rate against a roughly average 9.3% walk percentage.
Barnes has yet to reach the majors this season but got to the highest level each year between 2016-22. He had a solid three-year run in Milwaukee to start his career. Going back to the start of 2019, Barnes owns a 6.37 ERA in 102 big league outings across seven teams.
St. Louis signed veteran righty Ryan Tepera to a big league contract a few days back. Barnes won’t get an immediate roster spot as Tepera did, but the Cards could clear some bullpen space over the next couple weeks. Jordan Hicks and Chris Stratton are each impending free agents on a team turning its attention towards 2024. They appear likely to be moved by August 1.
Let’s go to South America, Jake.
First Tepara and now this. Look out world here we come!!!
This is AAA filler most likely. Naile can’t pitch 3 innings every night and Parsons has ERA over 6. I know it sounds crazy but some minor league deals are meant for players to play in the minor leagues.
Oh boy ..mo knows how to pick um
Gearing up to package this guy and Walker for Ohtani…they didn’t want Cabrera.
Hahaha, riiiiiiiight. Let’s ship our top prospect/rookie away for three months of a superstar during a lost season, just to lose him in free agency.
Great idea!
low hanging fruit