St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Riley O’Brien has made two rehab appearances in Triple-A, with the team set to evaluate his readiness to return to the bullpen this week, according to Lynn Worthy of STL Today.
Following back-to-back outings on his rehab assignment, RHP Riley O’Brien remained with Triple-A Memphis and is set to play catch tomorrow and then the club will determine next steps.
— Lynn Worthy (@LWorthySports) August 5, 2024
Cardinals Pitcher Riley O’Brien Nearing Return to Bullpen
O’Brien, a right-handed reliever acquired from the Seattle Mariners in the offseason, was placed on the 15-day injured list on March 31st due to a flexor strain in his right arm. Such an injury often requires season-ending surgery, but it appears as though O’Brien is nearing his return to a struggling Cardinals team.
Although he has only 3 1/3 major-league innings under his belt, O’Brien had a stellar spring training in 2024. As a result, the Cardinals expected him to constitute a major addition to the bullpen prior to his injury. Last year with Triple-A Tacoma, he threw for a 2.29 ERA and 15 saves in 51 appearances. In his last rehab appearance with Triple-A Memphis, he threw a shutout inning in relief for starter Ian Bedell, showing promising signs for his return.
The Cardinals bullpen has been a strength for the team this year, sporting the sixth-best ERA in the majors. However, stalwarts Ryan Helsley and John King have struggled as of late. While the trade deadline acquisition of right-hander Shawn Armstrong from the Tampa Bay Rays provides some assurance on this front, O’Brien’s return signifies a potential boon for the team.
Additionally, O’Brien’s experience as a spot starter could provide flexibility to the Cardinals pitching staff following the recent injury of Lance Lynn.
Having made only one appearance for the Cardinals this season, O’Brien’s return to the bullpen could be an important addition for the National League Wild Card chase. The Cardinals currently sit three games out of the third and final wild card spot, trailing the New York Mets and Arizona Diamondbacks.
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