The St. Louis Cardinals have placed right-handed relief pitcher Ryan Helsley on Paternity Leave and have recalled LHP JoJo Romero from Memphis (AAA). Infielder/outfielder Juan Yepez was activated from the 10-day Injured List and optioned to Memphis (AAA). Catcher Ivan Herrera will join the team in Arizona as a member of the Taxi Squad.
Helsley, 28, has been the Cardinals top relief pitcher this season, leading the team with 12 saves and all National League relief pitchers in wins (7), ERA (0.91), opponent BA (.120), WHIP (0.66) and baserunners/9 IP (5.98). He will miss a minimum of one day and a maximum of three days on the Paternity List.
Romero, 25, was acquired by the Cardinals from the Phillies in exchange for infielder Edmundo Sosa on July 30. Romero pitched in two Major League games (0-0, 13.50 ERA, 2.0 IP) with Philadelphia in 2022 and has 25 career MLB appearances. In three appearances with Memphis, Romero has allowed just one hit over 10 total batters faced without allowing a run.
Yepez, 24, was removed from the 10-day injured list with a right forearm strain. The infielder/outfielder has missed 25 games since July 14. He recently completed an injury rehabilitation assignment to Memphis playing in five games splitting time between right field and first base.
Herrera, 22, has played in 11 Major League games with the Cardinals earlier this season making his Major League debut vs. Toronto on May 24. In Memphis, Herrera was batting .276 with 3 HR and 24 RBI over 46 games.
Romero will wear uniform No. 59 and be active for tonight’s game in Phoenix. Herrera wears uniform No. 47.
