Cardinals Make Roster Move After Win Against Rockies

Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Cardinals Make Roster Move After Win Against Rockies

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Miracle Dimwesh | Last updated Aug 8, 2026 2:03 PM ET

The St. Louis Cardinals continued reshaping their roster after Friday's win over the Colorado Rockies, making another move as they look to stay in the National League postseason race.

According to Cardinals beat writer Jeff Jones, the club is designating outfielder Nelson Velázquez for assignment to clear a spot on the active roster for outfielder Everson Pereira. Jones reported the move on X shortly after St. Louis opened the series with a victory.

Velázquez is out of minor league options, meaning the Cardinals cannot send him to Triple-A Memphis. Instead, he must pass through waivers after being designated for assignment before the organization can determine his next step.

Cardinals will be removing Nelson Velázquez from the active roster tomorrow to open an active spot for Everson Pereira. He is out of options, so that will require a DFA or release.
— Jeff Jones (@jmjones) August 8, 2026

The transaction gives Pereira another opportunity in the majors after the Cardinals claimed the 25-year-old off waivers. St. Louis is expected to give him an opportunity to contribute in an outfield that has lacked consistent production during the second half.

Velázquez appeared in 34 games for the Cardinals this season, batting .216 with four home runs, 12 RBIs and a .721 OPS across 74 at-bats. While his power flashed at times, inconsistent production and limited defensive flexibility left him vulnerable as St. Louis looked to create roster space.

St. Louis Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol (37) Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images

Pereira joins the Cardinals after appearing in 27 major league games with the Chicago White Sox this season. He batted .225 with four home runs, 11 RBIs, five doubles and a .722 OPS before changing organizations. The former top prospect also overcame Tommy John surgery that sidelined him for much of the 2024 and 2025 seasons, making this another opportunity to establish himself in the majors.

The Cardinals sit at 58-58 after Friday's action, trailing both the Milwaukee Brewers and Chicago Cubs in the National League Central. With the postseason race tightening, St. Louis is turning to Pereira in hopes of adding another productive bat during the final weeks of the regular season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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