Cardinals Face Setback as John King Returns to Injured List
John King’s return to the Cardinals is cut short by a mid-back strain, raising questions about team depth as playoffs loom.
Cardinals Face Setback as John King Returns to Injured List
The St. Louis Cardinals have endured a challenging week, marked by setbacks and roster changes that have fans scratching their heads. Just days after giving left-handed pitcher John King a joyous activation from the 15-day Injured List, the team finds itself in the unfortunate position of placing him back on that very list due to a mid-back strain, retroactive to August 26th. King’s last appearance for the Cardinals was on July 29th, and his rocky performance this season has prompted concern, especially considering his ERA sits at 5.18 over 43 appearances, compared to a stellar 2.85 ERA in 56 appearances last year, as reported by Sports Illustrated.
In the wake of King’s injury, the Cardinals have turned to right-handed pitcher Andre Granillo, who has been recalled from Memphis (AAA) to fill King’s roster spot. This move is part of a larger effort to bolster a bullpen that has been a somewhat shining light for the team, currently ranked fifth in the league with a 3.64 ERA. However, the loss of King after a brief stint back with the team adds yet another layer of difficulty as the Cardinals struggle to maintain their competitiveness in the season’s final leg.
Team Performance and Recent Trades
Despite recent ups and downs, the Cardinals currently hold a record of 65-68, which puts them significantly behind the first-place Milwaukee Brewers by 18 games and 6.5 games out of the National League Wild Card spot. This lingering disappointment comes on the heels of significant trades that saw the team part ways with players like Ryan Helsley, Steven Matz, and Phil Maton over the summer, all in pursuit of refreshing the roster and enhancing performance on the field. Fans are left wondering: Can the team regroup and make a late-season push?
John King himself has an interesting backstory that might shed light on what the Cardinals are missing with his injury. Born in Sugar Land, Texas, he graduated from Clements High School, went on to play NCAA baseball at Angelina College and the University of Houston, and eventually made his MLB debut after being drafted by the Texas Rangers. During his time with the Rangers, he faced his fair share of challenges, including recovering from a UCL tear in his elbow. Remarkably, King managed to achieve commendable stats, including a high groundball percentage and a stellar first-pitch strike rate, which made him one of the more effective arms in the bullpen for the Cardinals upon his arrival last July, as detailed on MLB.com.
What’s Next for the Cardinals?
The Cardinals‘ recent performance fluctuations can be indicative of larger trends impacting the team. After finishing last season strong, the contrast is stark this year. Furthermore, the Cardinals have historically prided themselves on having a robust bullpen, finishing with the seventh-best bullpen ERA last season at 3.64. How can the team harness that strength this season and navigate through the remaining games? With King out of the mix, it will be crucial for others in the bullpen to step up. Looking at the organizational stats, the trajectory seems uncertain yet filled with potential as they currently rank high despite player turnover and injuries.
As the Cardinals navigate yet another bump in the road, fans are left hoping that the resilient spirit of the team can shine through the adversity. The next few weeks will undoubtedly be pivotal for the 2025 season—will the Cardinals find a way to rally and climb back into contention? One can only watch and see how this season unfolds on the diamond. For detailed team stats and standings, visit ESPN for the latest insights.