The St. Louis Cardinals recently announced a significant roster change: they’ve designated pitcher Erick Fedde for assignment. Fedde had his share of struggles this season, and the team decided to replace him with right-hander Andre Granillo from Triple-A Memphis.
Last year, Fedde was considered a valuable asset. After undergoing a rough patch in the majors, he rejuvenated his career in the Korea Baseball Organization and became a sought-after player. The Chicago White Sox signed him for two years and got good results from him, with Fedde posting a solid 3.11 ERA in 21 starts before he was traded.
Despite a promising start with the Cardinals, where his combined stats showed a 3.30 ERA and a decent strikeout rate, Fedde couldn’t maintain that success. As the season progressed, his performance declined sharply. Statistically, he saw a drop in his strikeout rate while his walks increased. He had a couple of impressive outings, but they were overshadowed by many disappointing games.
For example, on June 9, he pitched a shutout against the Nationals but followed that performance with back-to-back starts where he allowed seven runs each. Over his last five starts, he’s given up a staggering 26 runs. This erosion caused the Cardinals to change course, despite hopes they could trade him and net some minor league talent.
Fedde’s salary this season is $7.5 million, with a little over $2.7 million still owed. Given his current form, it’s unlikely another team would claim him if placed on waivers. There’s a chance he’ll be released, allowing him to join another team for a minimal cost.
With Fedde out, the Cardinals will have the opportunity to give young talent like Michael McGreevy a chance to shine. McGreevy has shown promise in his limited MLB time, displaying a 3.49 ERA and a significantly low walk rate. His success in the minors suggests he could potentially develop into a strong pitcher for the Cardinals.
Overall, the Cardinals’ decision reflects a shift toward focusing on developing younger players, a strategy many teams are adopting in the current baseball landscape. This approach not only knocks off high-risk contracts but also creates space for upcoming talent, which could be crucial for the team’s future success.
For further insights on the changing dynamics of team rosters, check out [ESPN](https://www.espn.com/) for updates and analyses.
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andre granillo,erick fedde