Brycen

Mautz

Mautz returns to the minors after allowing two runs over three innings in relief against the Brewers on Monday in his major-league debut. The 24-year-old lefty figures to be an up-and-down swingman for the Cardinals over the rest of the season.

Mautz was supposed to start Sunday’s game against the Reds and make his MLB debut, but that game was postponed. The 24-year-old will instead be a bullpen option with Matthew Liberatore getting the nod for Monday’s tilt against the Brew Crew.

The game will be made up as part of a split doubleheader on August 17. Expect Sunday’s scheduled starters, Brady Singer and Brycen Mautz, to be pushed back to Monday for their respective ballclubs.

The 24-year-old left-hander will make his Major League debut on Sunday against the Reds. Matuz has been terrific at Triple-A Memphis this season, registering a 2.90 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and a 43/24 K/BB ratio over 40 1/3 innings through his first nine starts. He has had trouble with his command at times this season, an issue which could get him in trouble against the Reds on Sunday, making him a volatile streaming option for fantasy purposes.

Mautz will get the call to give the Cardinals’ rotation an extra day off. The 24-year-old has been solid in Triple-A Memphis over his nine starts with a 2.90 ERA and 43 strikeouts in 40 1/3 innings, although he has walked 24 in that timeframe. Mautz will likely be back in Triple-A after the outing, so fantasy managers should probably look elsewhere; especially when you consider this outing will take place in Cincinnati.

Baez made a major statement this spring, slashing .333/.417/.762 with three homers, five RBI and a 6/2 K/BB ratio in 24 plate appearances, leading fantasy managers to clamor for his inclusion on Cardinals’ Opening Day roster. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. He should debut at some point during the 2026 campaign, but that makes him a difficult stash in mixed leagues to begin the season.

Baez is the biggest name to know for fantasy purposes after putting together a breakthrough campaign last season where he blossomed into one of the premier slugging prospects in the game, slashing .287/.384/.500 with 20 homers and 54 stolen bases across 117 games between High-A Peoria and Double-A Springfield. It’s only a matter of time before he’s making some real noise as a power/speed combo threat in St. Louis.