The St. Louis Cardinals Acquire DFA’d Reliever Jorge Alcala from Boston Red Sox
The St. Louis Cardinals have made a bold move in their bullpen by claiming recently designated for assignment (DFA) reliever Jorge Alcala from the Boston Red Sox. This acquisition adds depth and potential to the Cardinals’ pitching staff as they continue their push for a playoff spot.
Alcala, a 24-year-old right-hander, was DFA’d by the Red Sox on August 1st after struggling in his limited appearances with the team. However, the Cardinals saw potential in the young pitcher and wasted no time in claiming him off waivers.
This move comes at a crucial time for the Cardinals, who are currently in the thick of the playoff race. With a record of 58-53, they sit just 2.5 games back in the National League Central division and are also in the hunt for a wild card spot.
Alcala, who has a fastball that can reach triple digits, brings a power arm to the Cardinals’ bullpen. He has shown flashes of potential in his minor league career, posting a 2.96 ERA and striking out 10.8 batters per nine innings.
The Cardinals are hoping that Alcala can find his footing in the big leagues and provide a boost to their bullpen down the stretch. With his youth and potential, he could be a valuable asset for the team in the years to come.
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St. Louis Cardinals Add Depth to Bullpen with Claim of Jorge Alcala
The St. Louis Cardinals have made a move to bolster their bullpen, despite trading away three key relievers at the trade deadline. According to MLB.com’s John Denton, the Cardinals have claimed Jorge Alcala off waivers from the Boston Red Sox.
Alcala, who was recently designated for assignment by the Red Sox, brings an exciting arm to the Cardinals. He has the ability to throw a fastball above 100 mph, but has struggled with his control this season. In 41 appearances, he has a 6.64 ERA over 40.2 innings pitched.
While his walk rate of 12.1% is not ideal for relievers, the Cardinals are hopeful that Alcala’s potential will outweigh his struggles. Other top relievers in the league, such as Emmanuel Clase and Josh Hader, have much lower walk rates at 6% and 7.6%, respectively.
Alcala made his MLB debut in 2019 with the Minnesota Twins and was traded to the Red Sox earlier this year. He will earn $1.5 million this season and has the potential to be retained for the 2026 season through arbitration.
But Alcala is not the only new addition to the Cardinals’ bullpen. Just days ago, they also acquired Anthony Veneziano from the Miami Marlins. Veneziano has appeared in 24 games this season, posting a 4.74 ERA over 21 innings pitched.
For now, Veneziano will join the Triple-A team, as the Cardinals’ only left-handed reliever on the big league roster, JoJo Romero, is currently on the 15-day injured list with an oblique strain. The Cardinals are hoping that these recent additions will provide much-needed depth to their bullpen as they continue their push for a playoff spot.
