3 relief pitching targets for St. Louis Cardinals post lockout

Brad Boxberger

Veteran righty Brad Boxberger, 33, was 5-4 with four saves for the Milwaukee Brewers in 2021. He pitched 64.2 innings in 71 games. He had 83 strikeouts.

Boxberger uses a four-seam fastball, a slider and a changeup. Boxberger’s use of off-speed pitches is surely intriguing for the Cardinals, who do appreciate a pitcher who feels comfortable using the defense behind him. And why not. The Cardinals have a Rawlings Gold Glove-winning defense in Nolan Arenado, Tommy Edman, Paul Goldschmidt, Harrison Bader and Tyler O’Neill. Not to mention Yadier Molina behind the plate.

Boxberger’s fastball averages 93.5 mph with a 14.1-inch vertical drop and an active spin of 90%. His slider averages 88 mph with a 28.5-inch vertical drop and an active spin of 48%. The change-up averages 82.5 mph with a 35.3-inch vertical drop and an active spin of 90%.

Boxberger’s pitches have a lot of movement and he would be an interesting option in certain situations. While he isn’t necessarily an innings eater, he can be an asset for a critical inning or two, if needed.