St. Louis Cardinals: Four roster moves made ahead of series versus Cubs

Right before a weekend series against the Cubs, the St. Louis Cardinals make four roster moves.

1) Matt Bowman activated from DL

Good news Jordan Hicks, Mike Matheny’s favorite reliever is back which means you can rest that arm of yours a bit more in the St. Louis Cardinals‘ bullpen.

Matt Bowman has had a terrible 2018, which might be underselling it a bit. Bowman had surrendered 11 runs in 17 innings before his trip to the disabled list for blisters.

In those 17 innings Bowman had allowed four home runs. Bowman allowed four home runs in each of his first two seasons in which he threw 67.2 and 58.2 innings respectively.

Not only that, but Bowman was walked 4.8 batters per nine which did no favors to his WHIP which stands a whopping 1.765.

Bowman’s best stretch of games occurred from April 1 to April 13 where he allowed one run over seven innings.

From the end of that stretch up to his DL stint, Bowman allowed at least one run in six of his next nine appearances.

Hopefully Bowman can find his early April self in his return.

2) Daniel Poncedeleon optioned to AAA

Daniel Poncedeleon will be going back to Memphis after pitching a grand total of…zero innings after getting called up to the St. Louis Cardinals a mere four days ago.

Poncedeleon sported a 2.41 ERA in Memphis in 11 starts, which is incredible given the obstacles he had to overcome to get back to the mound.

Unfortunately, Poncedeleon did not get to see things come full circle. At the latest Poncedeleon will be able to realize his dream in September.

3) Jose Martinez placed on paternity list

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Jose Martinez has been raking for the St. Louis Cardinals, but he has been on another level this month.

In 11 games Martinez has a hit in all but one of them and has hit five big boys.

Martinez was carrying a .400/.500/.900 triple slash line into today, but he will be heading to Venezuela to see the birth of his daughter, Alana.

Family comes first, even when you are set to play your rivals.

4) Luke Voit recalled

What an adventure it has been for Luke Voit over the past eight days.

Voit hit a pinch hit home run against the Marlins, his first of the year, on June 7th.

Four days later Voit is sent back down to Memphis only to be sent to Springfield two days after that.

Today Voit is back to the St. Louis Cardinals, but will then probably get sent right back down when Martinez returns.

At least the Missouri native gets a chance to get some hits against those Cubs.

Next: Five players who could make the Birds a playoff team

The Cardinals get to face two lefties against the Cubs in this series, have fun Matt Carpenter.