Cards News: Freese done, Robertson signed, Motte goes on DL

Cards News & Notes

Cardinals rookie third baseman David Freese is done for the year after injuring his right ankle Monday in a rehab game in Double-A Springfield. Freese was already on the disabled list with an ankle and foot injury since June 29. Freese played well in 70 games this season, batting .296 and hitting four home runs. It is a big loss for St. Louis and unfortunate to see Freese’s solid rookie campaign ruined by injury. He showed great maturity on and off the field and was on track to be a big part of the Cardinals playoff push. His injury leaves a hole on the bench and gives the Cards less flexibility. Felipe Lopez can fill in but he hasn’t been great with the glove at the hot corner and it forces Brendan Ryan to stay at short. The Cardinals infield is a big weakness and the club should be watching the waiver wire for a proven replacement after failing to go after Stephen Drew or any other infielder at the deadline.

Nate Robertson, a veteran left-hander who made his name in Detroit, has agreed to a minor league deal with St. Louis. He is easy to remember as the goggled hurler on the Tigers with a bulldog mentality. Robertson always battled for Detroit and had his best season in 2006, winning 13 games with a 3.84 ERA and helping his team reach the World Series. Robertson faced St. Louis in Game 3 of that Fall Classic, losing a tough one after going five innings and allowing two runs. The Cardinals won that game 5-0 and took the series in five games. His career statistics include a 57-77 record and 4.97 ERA. He is an insurance pickup who likely won’t pitch in St. Louis unless injuries force the move.

Another Cardinal made the injury report this week. Jason Motte who is having a great year in the bullpen was placed on the 15-day DL with a sprained right shoulder. Motte sports a 2.70 ERA and has been a consistent arm in many situations. He also has two saves. Fernando Salas will replace him, making his fifth trip to St. Louis in what has been a roller coaster ride between the farm and the bigs. Salas has performed well for the Cardinals in 10 games, but he hasn’t found the luck to stay with the team long-term. He has a 2.31 ERA in 11-plus innings of relief.