St. Louis Cardinals News: Johan Oviedo rejoining the team

The St. Louis Cardinals’ decision to option pitcher Johan Oviedo was met with immediate skepticism. The move, at least on the surface, made little sense. But it was made to bring a fresh arm to the major-league team, something they desperately needed at the time.

Oviedo was down at the alternate site longer than expected, however. But he is expected to return to the rotation on Wednesday for a start against the Philadelphia Phillies, according to Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Oviedo, 27, is joining the team when it plans to expand to a six-man rotation when they play 17 games in 17 days. It is a more than deserving honor for Oviedo, who has shown he can be a highly effective pitcher when given the opportunity at the major-league level.

He showed it early this season with a 4 2/3 innings appearance out of the bullpen. If he performs well against the Phillies, who have struggled recently, he could earn himself a spot in the rotation at some point this season. Perhaps it could even come soon, with Miles Mikolas still sidelined with a shoulder injury and still weeks away from returning.

But Oviedo, barring a late injury, most certainly has a shot to stick on the major-league team for the long haul as they look to manage their bullpens workload. What he does is provide length, which could help manager Mike Shildt spread out innings.

Whether it’s in a starter or relief role, Oviedo deserves a chance in the majors. Wednesday will be his opportunity to earn it. But the reality is he deserved to be up much sooner than this after a very promising first appearance.