Packy

Naughton

Naughton announced the deal on Instagram, which will keep him with the Cardinals as he continues his rehabilitation after missing all of last year recovering from flexor tendon surgery. The 28-year-old southpaw has made 37 appearances in the big leagues dating back to 2021.

Naughton has already begun throwing live BP sessions, and the 28-year-old now is close to facing competition from other teams. The southpaw underwent surgery to repair his flexor tendon last June. Once healthy, Naughton could help the Cardinals in a relief role.

Hence is regarded as one of the Cardinals’ top pitching prospects and has a chance to ascend to the big leagues later on this year. Gómez has put up massive power numbers in the upper minors, but has yet to get a chance at the highest level. Naughton is merely extra organizational pitching depth at this juncture of his career.

The 27-year-old southpaw is still working his way back from last June’s forearm surgery. He’ll continue throwing regularly during Spring Training and should progress to facing live hitters before the end of March. Naughton made four appearances out of the Cardinals’ bullpen in 2023 — posting a 0.60 WHIP and 5/1 K/BB ratio across five scoreless frames.

The move opens up a spot on the Cardinals’ 40-man roster to protect an additional prospect from next month’s Rule 5 Draft. The 27-year-old southpaw underwent forearm surgery back in June. It’s unclear when he’ll be ready to pitch again at this juncture.

No word yet on the exact type of surgical procedure or how long Naughton will be sidelined, but there’s a strong possibility he’s done for the year. He was shut down earlier this month after experiencing renewed left forearm discomfort during his minor league rehab appearance.

Naughton has been sidelined for two months with a forearm strain. It’s possible he’s going to require season-ending surgery.

Naughton has been on the shelf since early April due to a left forearm strain and isn’t likely to return to the Cardinals’ relief mix until sometime later this month.

Naughton has been making progress, but the 60-day assignment only forces him to remain out until June 7 and that’s probably about the best-case scenario for his return anyway.

Naughton is working his way back from a left forearm strain that sent him to the injured list back in early April. He’s scheduled to throw again on Thursday and should progress to facing hitters again in the near future.