As the staff Ace Carlos Martínez returns to the DL, the Cardinals have decided to roll with the Young Guns. For all three upcoming games in Cincinnati, the Cardinals will send out a rookie pitcher as the Starter.
Headlining game one, making his MLB debut is 26 year old Daniel Poncedeleon.
St. Louis Cardinals on Twitter
Daniel Poncedeleon was 9-3 with 2.15 ERA and 103 K in 92 IP in Triple-A (@memphisredbirds) during the 2018 season. #STLCards
If you follow Cardinals related media, you’ll know that Poncedeleon has had a crazy return to baseball. On May 9th of last season, Daniel was struck in the head by a comeback line drive. He had bleeding on the brain and required emergency surgery to relieve the pressure. But after a long journey back, Daniel is in the Major Leagues. Now, he was called up earlier in the season, but didn’t make an appearance, so this time it’s going to be a bit more special.
Poncedeleon has been very good this season for AAA Memphis and has had success at every level so far. I imagine his success will continue into tonight against the Reds.
Next up on Tuesday we will see lefty Austin Gomber who is making his first start this season for the Cardinals. He made his debut back on June 2nd of this year and he has made 15 appearances with the club. In those 15 appearances he has a 3.77 ERA over 14.1 innings but has yet to record a decision.
Jenifer Langosch on Twitter
STLCards will have Daniel Poncedeleon start on Monday and Austin Gomber start Tuesday vs. Reds. It’ll be the first MLB starts for both pitchers.
For AAA Memphis, Austin is 7-3 with a 3.42 ERA over 12 appearances (11 GS).
Lastly, Jack Flaherty gets the ball on Wednesday. He has been a consistently strong starter for the Cardinals this season, putting himself into a legitimate rookie of the year conversation. He is 4-4 on the year with a 3.15 ERA in 15 starts. He owns an impressive 10.8 k/9 on the year as well. Coming into the year he was one of the top pitching prospects in baseball, and he has shown why. His stuff is undeniable and he looks to be a force for the Cardinals for some time.
Rob Friedman on Twitter
Jack Flaherty, 90mph Sinker and 83mph Slider, Overlay. https://t.co/etdhp8RaBG
Who are you most looking forward to watching this week? I think Poncedeleon has the story to make a great impression but the numbers back up why he is here. I’m hoping for a strong outing from him tonight.
Thanks for Reading
Aaron M.
