Brad

Thompson

The Cardinald have had a difficult time keeping their pitching prospects healthy this season. Fortunately, their major league rotation hasn’t had any problems. Yet.

Thompson was starting games in Triple-A, but he’ll rejoin the Cardinals as a reliever. Since he’s a candidate to vulture some wins, he could have some value in NL-only leagues the rest of the way.

Thompson had allowed one run in 3 2/3 innings since rejoining the club last week. He’s going to reemerge as one of the Cardinals’ top relievers, but the opportunity wasn’t there for him now.

Thompson had a 2.39 ERA on June 5, but he had struggled of late, putting him at 4.46 for the season. He shouldn’t need much time in the minors while attempting to regain his rhythm. There’s a good chance that he’ll reemerge as one of the Cardinals’ top relievers after the break.

Thompson had a lousy month of June, but he shouldn’t have had to spent most of the last two months in the minors. He’ll probably resume being a quality middle reliever right away.

Thompson, who turns 30 later this month, has a 4.46 ERA over six seasons in the big leagues between the Cardinals and Royals. He did not pitch professionally in 2011.

Probably not how he was hoping to come back. Thompson won’t be one of the Cardinals’ September callups.

Thomson struggled mightily Sunday in his first appearance since returning from a shoulder problems, allowing six runs in one inning. He was a little better yesterday.

Thompson was outstanding with Double-A Tennessee and Triple-A Memphis in the first half of the season before missing nearly two months with a shoulder injury. He’ll likely begin 2005 at Memphis.

Rodriguez and Gall were picked over Mike Mahoney, Skip Schumaker and Chris Duncan. Thompson was expected to be left off the roster until Al Reyes got hurt.