The St. Louis Cardinals aimed to enhance their pitching staff this winter. However, one of their new additions, right-hander Nick Robertson, has been placed on the injured list due to right elbow inflammation. In response, the Cardinals recalled right-hander Andre Pallante from Triple-A.
Roster Move: RHP Andre Pallante has been recalled from Memphis (AAA).
RHP Nick Robertson has been placed on the on 15-day IL (right elbow inflammation), retroactive to May 23. pic.twitter.com/ibHjxD8Jr4
— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) May 26, 2024
Robertson, though sidelined, remains optimistic, attributing his elbow tightness to a pre-game warm-up. His injured list stint is retroactive to May 23, and he anticipates a brief absence. “Everything looks good and nothing to be concerned about,” he reassured reporters.
Acquired in a winter trade that sent outfielder Tyler O’Neill to the Boston Red Sox, Robertson was part of the Cardinals’ strategy to strengthen their pitching. Despite mixed results in his brief major league stint—posting a 4.38 ERA over 12 1/3 innings—Robertson has shown promising control and chase rates. In the minors this season, he has a 2.84 ERA in 6 1/3 innings.
Nick Robertson’s 146 Stuff+ on the sweeper would’ve been good for the 3rd highest among individual pitch types by Cardinals in 2023.
It trails only Ryan Helsley’s fastball and slider pic.twitter.com/7WmKkeMFMU
— Reek (@CardinalsReek) December 8, 2023
The Cardinals’ pitching staff has struggled, ranking poorly in several key statistics like WAR, ERA+, ERA, and strikeout percentage. While Robertson is inexperienced, his potential made him a valuable addition to the rotation. Now, the Cardinals must manage without him as they continue to seek pitching solutions.
Andre Pallante, the replacement for Robertson, has oscillated between starting and relieving roles. Initially struggling in the bullpen with a 6.30 ERA, Pallante was demoted to Triple-A, where he posted a 2.20 ERA over four appearances, despite control issues with 13 walks and nine strikeouts in 16 1/3 innings. Manager Oliver Marmol indicated Pallante would be used for bullpen innings but might start in place of the injured Steven Matz on Wednesday.
The elusive "death ball" pitch design with Cardinals reliever Andre Pallante. ☠️ pic.twitter.com/1JuKGlDG3X
— Tread Athletics (@TreadHQ) October 31, 2023
Pallante has worked on his pitch repertoire, adding a new breaking ball and showcasing a high-90s fastball. The Cardinals hope that he can refine his command and become a successful development story, something the organization has sought in recent years.
