Ryan

Fernandez

Fernandez has pitched very well in his first seven appearances with the Cardinals, registering a 1.86 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and a 17/5 K/BB ratio across 9 2/3 innings. No word yet on how long he’ll be shelved for, but back injuries are notoriously tricky. Matt Svanson was recalled from Triple-A Memphis in a corresponding move to take his spot in the Cardinals’ bullpen.

Fernandez returns to the big leagues to fortify St. Louis’ relief corps after spending a couple days back in the minors following last weekend’s doubleheader against the Reds. The 27-year-old has posted a sparkling 1.17 ERA and 13/2 K/BB ratio across 7 2/3 innings over five appearances for the Cardinals this season. Needless to say, he’s earned a longer look in the majors.

Fernandez provides St. Louis with some additional bullpen depth for Saturday’s twin bill at Great American Ball Park. The 27-year-old has compiled a 1.59 ERA across 5 2/3 innings at the big-league level this season.

Fernandez heads back to the minors through no fault of his own. The 27-year-old has allowed three runs (one earned) on seven hits in 5 2/3 innings for the Cardinals this season with a 9/2 K/BB ratio. The team needed another starting pitcher and had Hunter Dobbins (knee) come off the injured list for Thursday’s start.

Fernandez has thrown 5 2/3 shutout innings at Triple-A with a 6/2 K/BB ratio. That success hasn’t translated over to the big leagues yet, but perhaps this is the season.

Fernandez made 32 relief appearances for the Cardinals as a rookie last season and will open the year back in the minors as extra organizational depth. Naughton is one of the more prominent names here as he figures to be an option for St. Louis in middle relief at some point during the year. Jordan is a power-hitting corner infield prospect with some thunder in his bat and could wind up getting a look at some point later this season.

Fernandez was called upon for the 10th inning after the Cardinals’ regular closer JoJo Romero entered this game in the eighth inning to face the top of the order and only retired one of the three batters he faced. Fernandez was able to slam the door shut after the Cardinals opened up a two-run lead in the top of the inning, but don’t expect him to siphon off any saves in this bullpen.

Fernandez got the call to join the Cardinals’ bullpen mix ahead of Friday’s game against the Padres. He’ll operate in middle relief moving forward.

The 26-year-old hurler was a key cog in the Cardinals’ bullpen in 2024 but struggled to a cringe-inducing 11.42 ERA, 2.31 WHIP and a 7/5 K/BB ratio over 8 2/3 innings in his first 11 appearances this season. He’ll see if he can work through his issues at the Triple-A level before returning to the Cardinals’ bullpen. Riley O’Brien was recalled in a corresponding move.

Fernandez is expected to operate in a high-leverage role for the Cardinals, but the 26-year-old will need to get healthy first. The right-hander should be considered day-to-day for now.