8. Cardinals rookie Andre Pallante was a tremendous asset
Speaking of impressive rookies, Pallante broke camp with the St. Louis Cardinals. He was so impressive the Cardinals kept him around and used him in multiple roles.
In 47 games for the Cardinals, Pallante pitched a 3.17 ERA in 108 innings. He had 73 strikeouts. Pallante had a 6-5 record with 10 games starting for the Cardinals. He had nine holds in relief appearances. He had 73 strikeouts.
The righty just turned 24 years old and has the tenacity of a pitcher who has been around a while. Pallante made a great impression. Hopefully, he will be a starter for the Cardinals at some point, but for now, where ever the Cardinals use him, Pallante will be an excellent, dependable arm for the Cardinals for years to come.
7. Miles Mikolas has had an excellent season for the Cardinals
After an injury-shortened 2021 season, Mikolas proved healthy as he was probably the Cardinals’ most consistent starter during points of the season, even earning his second all-star game appearance representing the St. Louis Cardinals.
Mikolas pitched in 33 games for the Cardinals, starting 32. He was 12-13 with a 3.29 ERA. He had one complete game that was a play away from being a no-hitter for Mikolas. He pitched 202.1 innings. He had 153 strikeouts on the season.
Mikolas has proven to be an excellent innings eater for the Cardinals’ pitching staff which has been much needed down the stretch. Here’s hoping he has an excellent postseason for the Birds on the Bat.
6. Ryan Helsley stepping up as Cardinals closer
Hellz Bellz, indeed.
Helsley has been such an asset out of the bullpen the Cardinals have given him a whole experience to walk out to in his appearances at Busch Stadium. While the lights go red, AC/DC’s Hells Bells blasts, pumping Helsley and the Cardinals up for the ninth inning.
Helsley pitched in 54 games for the Cardinals in 2022, earning a 9-1 record with 19 saves and seven holds. He threw 64.2 innings, striking out 94 batters.