St. Louis Cardinals: Time for the Kids to Shine

The St. Louis Cardinals have begun a slightly new era as Alex Reyes and Luke Weaver are beginning their major league careers.

In case you have been under a rock recently, the St. Louis Cardinals have decided to call up Alex Reyes. The exciting and wonderful news does bring some unfortunate news as well as Michael Wacha has been placed on the 15-Day DL with a stress reaction in his right shoulder.

This is the same exact injury that the young righty suffered in 2014. The injury is such a deflation for Wacha, as he seemingly can’t catch a break. Wacha, who has struggled with command his entire career may finally have a reason for the struggles.

It’s even worse for Wacha as it at one point seemed like Wacha had figured things out and was coming into his own. Unfortunately, the shoulder injury has flared up once again for him and is causing the team to rethink his role.

More from St Louis Cardinals News

• Cardinals Rumors: 3 pros and cons of signing Carlos Rodon
• Cardinals: Here is Willson Contreras’ first message for St. Louis fans
• How do the St. Louis Cardinals stack up with Willson Contreras?
• Cardinals: The insane asking price the Athletics had for Sean Murphy
• St. Louis Cardinals: Ask me anything with Josh Jacobs – 12/8

The fortunate thing about Wacha’s injury is that it’s giving two of the top two St. Louis Cardinals’ pitching prospects an opportunity to shine. Yes, I said two, as unless you have been further underneath a rock, you know that the Cardinals have stated that Luke Weaver (who made just one start with Memphis) will be making Wacha’s start on Saturday in Chicago.

While Reyes figures to continue to get his shot to be a difference maker in the bullpen before he is given a shot at being a starter in the Cardinals’ rotation, Weaver will probably earn himself his spot in the rotation for the foreseeable future. Weaver has been outstanding this season for AA Springfield – sporting a 1.40 ERA in 12 starts in the hitter-friendly Texas League.

More from Redbird Rants

• Cardinals Rumors: 3 pros and cons of signing Carlos Rodon
• What’s next for the St. Louis Cardinals after Contreras signing?
• Report: Cardinals Emerge As Mystery Team for Carlos Rodon
• Cardinals: Trade targets after signing Willson Contreras
• Reflecting on the 2013 Cardinals’ top 30 prospects

Weaver has seen a rise in his strikeouts this season as well as he has improved his two secondary offerings in his curve and slider. Before this season, it was the lack of substance in these two offerings that had me down on him and his stance in the organization.

Ultimately, I still believe that Weaver is no better than a future #3 in the St. Louis Cardinals’ rotation, but that doesn’t mean Weaver can’t prove himself to be a valuable addition to this inconsistent rotation. Replacing Wacha with Weaver who does not struggle with command at all may be just what the doctor ordered.

When you consider that the Cardinals will have Jaime Garcia, Carlos Martinez, Adam Wainwright, and Luke Weaver pitching in succession, it may become a more consistent rotation and what the Cardinals need pitching in front of the inconsistent Mike Leake. 

Hopefully, this will lead to the team starting to rattle off of wins. The only question remains is who’s roster spot will Weaver take. It’s likely that the team will part ways with Jerome Williams. He will either find a home on another club or will report to Memphis.

This means that the club will keep the ineffective Jonathan Broxton who has no place on this team. To this day, his signing is perhaps the most questionable one this front office has made in some time, but that’s another story for another time. 

Next: The Cardinals could be on to something with Piscotty's power adjustment

Next: The Cardinals could be on to something with Piscotty's power adjustment

For someone like me, this is an exciting time as I am a huge fan of prospects. I can’t wait to see what Weaver has, and may plan my next in-person trip to Busch Stadium on a day when he is pitching.