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The St. Louis Cardinals on Monday sent down hot-hitting infielder Thomas Saggese for him to get everyday starts for the Memphis Redbirds. In a corresponding move, the Cardinals brought up former Cincinnati Red Jose Barrero to fill the position on the Cardinals’ bench.
Saggese began the season with Memphis but was subsequently called up to the Cardinals’ 26-man roster when second baseman Nolan Gorman was placed on the injured list. Gorman returned, and Masyn Winn left to the IL, giving Saggese more time with the big league club. Winn has since returned from injury and is back in the Cardinals’ lineup at shortstop, but Saggese had earned the opportunity to stay as outfielder Michael Siani was sent to the Triple-A squad.
Saggese slashed .341/.364/.512 for the Cardinals during his 14 games, and many fans were shocked to see him get swapped out for Barrero. According to The Athletic’s Katie Woo, there is not going to be an abundance of starts for the top prospect in the coming weeks, prompting the option.
Barrero impressed the Cardinals organization in spring training and has since continued to be red-hot in the minors to begin this season. Barrero is hitting .299 with four home runs in Memphis this season and will give the Cardinals a versatile bench option, playing the middle infield and all three outfield positions.
Saggese has proved he is capable of playing at the big league level, and if there is to be another injury to the Cardinals’ starters, he will be on the first flight back to the club. Barrero’s positional flexibility seemingly was the determining factor, with Siani also in Memphis and the concern of a potential recurring injury to Winn.
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