Cardinals Make Move After Pirates Game

Ferguson’s time in St. Louis lasted just nine appearances. The left-hander struggled to establish himself in the bullpen, finishing his Cardinals stint with an 8.64 ERA over 8.1 innings.

That difficult stretch ultimately led the Cardinals to move on from the veteran reliever. Ferguson was acquired from Cincinnati at the trade deadline, where he had posted a 4.01 ERA before joining St. Louis.

Mautz now gets another chance to contribute at the major league level. The 24-year-old has spent the season with Triple-A Memphis, but the Cardinals have recently shifted his role to prepare him for relief work.

Manager Oliver Marmol and the organization have used Mautz in the bullpen for his last 15 minor league appearances, giving him experience in the role he will now fill in St. Louis.

The promotion comes at an important time for the Cardinals, whose pitching depth has been tested by injuries. Andre Pallante and Hunter Dobbins are among the arms currently dealing with health issues, increasing the need for another available option.

Mautz has already appeared once for St. Louis this season, throwing three innings. His return gives the Cardinals a fresh arm with recent bullpen experience as they look to stabilize their pitching staff.

For Ferguson, the DFA ends a brief and difficult chapter in St. Louis. For Mautz, it provides another opportunity to show he can help the Cardinals out of the bullpen down the stretch.