7 pleasant surprises for the St. Louis Cardinals in 2021

Midseason Pitching Acquisitions

Cardinals fans wondered about the acquisition of Wade LeBlanc. They said who with the signing of Luis Garcia. T.J. McFarland was a real head scratcher. And let’s not forget the cries of frustration after the trade deadline moves for Jon Lester and J.A. Happ.

Other than wishing Wade LeBlanc a speedy recovery back, Cardinals fans have been pleased with the results the team is getting with these mid-season acquisitions.

Prior to going down with injury, LeBlanc was completing his mission – making his pitches and eating up innings. He pitched in 12 games for the Cardinals, including eight starts. This was a tremendous help to the team struggling with their starting rotation. He threw in 42.1 innings and struck out 23 hitters.  He can now be seen on the bench as one of the team’s biggest cheerleaders. He’s been a great jolt to this team.

Garcia is the guy to hold things down for the Cardinals. Since joining the team he has pitched in 26 games and has earned nine holds for the team. He has struck out 26 and only given up six runs.

McFarland has been quite a bullpen piece for the Cardinals. He has pitched in 29 games for the Cardinals and has 10 holds for the team. McFarland has struck out 15 batters.

Lester seems to be trying to tap into that same fountain of youth Wainwright did. Since joining the Cardinals in a trade for Lane Thomas, Lester has pitched 50 innings in nine games started. He is 3-1 with the Cardinals and has 28 strikeouts. It’s good to see his veteran arm join this staff.

Happ has appeared rejuvenated in his new role in the Cardinals rotation. In eight games started for the Cardinals, Happ is 4-2,  pitched 39.1 innings and struck out 30. When the Cardinals acquired Happ, I dare say no one saw this happening. But we will certainly take this as we head into this final push.