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A roster adjustment has been made by the St. Louis Cardinals in advance of their historic Thursday night game at Rickwood Field. Due to injuries to Kyle Gibson and Nolan Arenado, the already thin team is searching for more players. The Cardinals will be trying out a new pitcher for the big leagues as well as the organization to replace Gibson in the rotation. According to reports, Adam Kloffenstein has been called up and will join the team in Birmingham, Alabama tomorrow for their game against the San Francisco Giants.
The 15th-ranked prospect by the Cardinals, Kloffenstein, was acquired in 2023 during the retooling part of the season when Mozeliak was preoccupied with trading off expiring contracts to make room for prospects. Along with Sem Robberse, Kloffenstein was acquired by Toronto as part of the Jordan Hicks trade. Robberse’s 2024 campaign has gone well so far, and supporters are clamoring for him to be promoted. However, Kloffenstein will be given the early trial in St. Louis. This youngster is anticipated to grow into a future starter for the Cardinals, as pitching depth is a big concern. It is now Kloff’s turn to prove himself to the front desk.
With Kloffenstein expected to pitch at the Rickwood Field game, many variables are at play with his appearance. The 5th spot in the rotation seems to belong to Andre Pallante, but for how long is the biggest question. Lance Lynn recently got rocked in his latest outing and is questionable being a reliable option for the whole season given his age and total innings pitched on his arm. The Cardinals will be busy this deadline looking to add another pitcher but could add two depending on how they evaluate their internal options. This promotion seems to be just that. Or this outing is to simply cover innings to prevent overuse of their bullpen? The team just lost 2 out of 3 to the Marlins which much credit can be due to the starters getting pulled somewhat early in their outings and the bullpen not being able to close the door.
Beyond Kloffenstein’s debut, Rickwood Field will be the center of several other storylines that will overshadow the event. Throughout the game, the viewer’s attention will be captured by the stories and history of the ballpark within the Negro Leagues. However, the shocking and devastating news of Willie Mays’s passing will also cause the game to change in perspective. You won’t want to miss tomorrow night’s parade of emotions, which will be on full display. FOX will air the Cardinals vs. Giants game from Rickwood Field at 7:15 PM EST.
