The Cardinals added four prospects to their 40-man roster on Rule 5 protection day: Outfielder Joshua Baez, catcher Leonardo Bernal and left-handers Cooper Hjerpe and Brycen Mautz. They needed to open one spot, so they designated reliever Jorge Alcala for assignment.
More to come.
It’s interesting that Hjerpe and Mautz got put on the 40-man. If I am not mistaken, they are both injured and had surgery. But glad with moves anyway.
Both were going to be Rule 5 draft eligible and there is no major league IL during the offseason
Thought the same thing. Would have liked to get another look at Alcalà; he’s got a live arm…with minimal control, of course.
Uncle Charlie- Agree with Alcala, but they wanted to protect the prospects. Hjerpe was their 1st rounder a few years ago, I remember when the Cards drafted him I was hoping he would be the next Chris Sale.
Mautz is not injured and was a huge part of Springfield winning the AA championship. Perhaps you’re thinking of Robberse, who’s also injured and needing a 40-man spot.
I liked Alcala too, but he was a due a raise on $1.5M via arbitration and probably would’ve been a non-tender anyhow.
Thanks mack423 for that clarification. GO CARDS!
Those are the future rotation possibly if they can stay healthy. Mautz put up great numbers at AA Hjerpe has potential, but he hasnt been healthy which is concerning. Still a first round pick who was great at Oregon State
Would have liked to see Pete Hansen protected too, but I understand why they didn’t. His ceiling is limited but I can see him as a long-term backend starter.
I would have liked to have seen him protected as well. Hasnt had a bad season and hasnt had injury concerns.
I feel like 10 or 15 years ago he would’ve been an easy choice to protect, but his lack of a plus fastball really limits his prospect status these days. He very well could end up being a left-handed Jake Woodford, but I like him.
He would be a better 5th starter over Mikolas and Pallante roughly 7-8 months ago…..
Keep in mind, it’s a game of chess. Hjerpe will likely go on the 60 day DL on the morning he is eligible to.
I would not be shocked if Alcala signs a minor league contract with an invite to ST and then added when the 60 day DL guys go on.
Hjerpe and Hence are probably the future 8th and 9th inning BP guys unfortunately.
Mr. & Mrs. Hjerpe = the “Herpes?”