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<\/p>\nThe St. Louis Cardinals\u2019 bullpen continues to be a concern, and Wednesday\u2019s 6-1 loss to the San Diego Padres only reinforced that reality.<\/p>\n
Right-hander Kyle Leahy delivered a respectable performance, allowing three earned runs over six innings. Although St. Louis trailed 3-1 when he exited, the game remained within reach. However, things quickly unraveled after the bullpen took over.<\/p>\n
Chris Roycroft was called upon to finish the final 1\u2153 innings but struggled significantly. The 28-year-old surrendered three earned runs while throwing 42 pitches, with just 22 finding the strike zone. Through seven major league appearances this season, Roycroft now owns a troubling 15.19 ERA.<\/p>\n
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Given the bullpen\u2019s ongoing struggles and the team’s playoff aspirations, the Cardinals may need to consider making a roster adjustment sooner rather than later. While seven appearances represent a limited sample size, the organization has several promising alternatives available in Triple-A Memphis.<\/p>\n
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One potential solution would be recalling Hunter Dobbins. The Cardinals could either use him directly in relief or insert him into the starting rotation, allowing Leahy to return to a bullpen role where he enjoyed success during the 2025 season.<\/p>\n
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Another intriguing candidate is Luis Gastelum. The 23-year-old right-hander has been one of Memphis\u2019 most reliable arms, posting a 2.68 ERA across 29 appearances entering Wednesday. Compared to Roycroft\u2019s 5.84 ERA in 23 Triple-A outings, Gastelum appears to have earned consideration for a promotion.<\/p>\n
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Max Rajcic is another pitcher making a strong case for a major league opportunity. The right-hander has recorded a 2.95 ERA in 25 appearances at Triple-A and continues to impress with his consistency.<\/p>\n
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If the Cardinals prefer to keep Leahy in the rotation, top prospect Quinn Mathews remains another possibility. The young left-hander has continued to attract attention in the minors and is widely viewed as a pitcher who could contribute at the big league level in the near future.<\/p>\n
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The Cardinals have already shown this season that they are willing to make decisive roster moves when necessary. With the bullpen remaining a weakness on an otherwise competitive club, the organization has several viable options to explore if it decides a change is needed.<\/p>\n
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