On Saturday, the St. Louis Cardinals officially activated veteran reliever Drew VerHagen from the 15-day injured list.
In a corresponding move, right-hander Kyle Leahy has been optioned to Triple-A Memphis.
VerHagen joined the Cardinals prior to the 2022 season, signing a two-year, $6.5 million contract to serve as a bullpen piece.
However, a hip impingement cost the right-hander most of the 2022 season, and he posted a 6.65 ERA.
This year has been slightly better for VerHagen, though his last outing before going on the injured list was a difficult one, as he surrendered three ninth-inning runs to the New York Yankees on July 1.
On Twitter, the Cardinals announced the roster move.
RHP Drew VerHagen has been activated from the 15-day IL.
RHP Kyle Leahy has been optioned to Memphis (AAA). pic.twitter.com/kmB3dOWMYB
— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) July 22, 2023
This season, VerHagen owns a 4-0 record, but his ERA skyrocketed to 4.78 after his tough outing against the Yankees at the beginning of the month.
It was yet another hip issue that cost the veteran right-hander some time this year.
However, VerHagen is now back and will replace Leahy in the team’s bullpen.
The Cardinals bullpen has been struggling this year, though it has improved in recent weeks.
The team heads into Saturday’s game against the Chicago Cubs with a record of 44-54.
The bullpen has been one of the main culprits for the team’s struggles this season.
But an extra arm should help the Cardinals as they continue their series with the Cubs and prepare for another showdown with the Arizona Diamondbacks next week.
VerHagen could also find himself with an increased role in the coming weeks with the team expected to sell off some of its bullpen pieces at the trade deadline.
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