The Cardinals introduced that they’ve recalled outfielder Jordan Walker from Triple-A Memphis, with fellow outfielder Tommy Pham designated for project in a corresponding transfer. It was reported yesterday that Pham had been positioned on waivers, although with out being faraway from the roster. It appears the Playing cards are dedicated to transferring on no matter whether or not Pham is claimed off waivers or not.
Groups can place a participant on waivers even whereas they’re nonetheless on the roster and taking part in video games. We now have seen this occur this 12 months with gamers like Kevin Kiermaier again when he was with the Blue Jays, in addition to guys like Michael A. Taylor of the Pirates, Drew Smyly of the Cubs, Robbie Grossman of the Rangers and others.
The Playing cards may have waited to see if Pham was claimed after which continued to play him if he handed by way of, however that received’t be the case now. Pham may nonetheless be claimed off waivers by tomorrow and could be postseason-eligible together with his new membership. But when he goes unclaimed, he’ll virtually definitely find yourself a free agent. He has greater than sufficient time to reject an outright project and elect free company, so the Playing cards would in all probability simply launch him in that state of affairs.
Little by little, the Playing cards are signaling that they’re transferring on from 2024 and turning their attentions in the direction of the long run. Previous to final month’s commerce deadline, they acted as patrons, grabbing Pham, Erick Fedde and Shawn Armstrong to bolster the roster for the stretch run. However they’ve gone 11-15 right here in August, dropping them again within the crowded Nationwide League Wild Card race. They’re presently six video games out and must move three completely different golf equipment to get in, whereas additionally holding off the Giants, who’re simply half a recreation behind the Playing cards. The Playoff Odds at FanGraphs give them only a 1.8% likelihood of getting in whereas the PECOTA Standings at Baseball Prospectus have them at 1.9%.
Armstrong was designated for project earlier this week and remains to be in DFA limbo, with Pham now becoming a member of him there, so the Playing cards have rapidly minimize ties with two of their three deadline acquisitions. Fedde remains to be beneath contract for subsequent 12 months however Armstrong and Pham had been leases, so the membership has little use for them as they’ve seemingly accepted that their probabilities in 2024 are low.
Extra to come back.
