St. Louis Cardinals: 6 players with something to prove

Genesis Cabrera

Lefty reliever Genesis Cabrera has had quite the year in 2021. From the game where a pitch went out of control hitting Bryce Harper in the face to becoming one of the most effective pitchers on staff and everywhere in between, Cabrera has done it all.

Cabrera is 3-5 with a 4.12 ERA on the season in 62 games and 61 innings, he has 23 holds and three blown saves. He has 32 walks, two intentional walks, and has given up 27 earned runs. He’s struck five hitters by a pitch and thrown eight wild pitches. That said he does have 68 strikeouts and has a 25.8 CSW%.

He’s not exactly what you want out of your reliever, but Shildt and pitching coach Mike Maddux love the guy and want to give him all the chances. With all the struggles the bullpen has had this season, it’s understandable.

So with the obvious trust there for Cabrera, what role will he have in 2022?

It would appear that what he does the remainder of this season, and if he decides to play in a winter league, will certainly play a part in how the team plans to use him moving forward. Cabrera will certainly leave St. Louis with a plan.

Working on concentrating and being in the moment as well as maintaining control will be at the top of the list. He has one year before he becomes arbitration-eligible in 2023. The remainder of this season, the off-season, and 2022 will be very important for Cabrera.

Here’s hoping he gets it together and becomes the reliever the Cardinals need.