Cardinals add Dickson, Sánchez to roster

CINCINNATI -- The Cardinals will take advantage of their roster expansion on Wednesday with the callups of Brandon Dickson and Ali Sánchez.

• What to know about Sept. roster expansion

The story of Dickson, who was 1-0 with a 9.58 ERA in 11 relief appearances for Triple-A Memphis, is a fascinating one, as he won a World Series ring with the Cardinals in 2011, appearing in four games, before heading over to Orix of the Japan Pacific League.

After returning to the Cardinals' organization this year, the 36-year-old competed for Team USA and won a silver medal in the Tokyo Olympics.

The Dickson move is an obvious one to add depth to the staff, especially in light of Jack Flaherty heading to the injured list with a right shoulder strain, while Sánchez gives the Cardinals another catcher, freeing up fellow backstop Andrew Knizner to pinch-hit late in games.

“Sánchez had a nice year,” Cardinals manager Mike Shildt said. “He’s done a nice job down there [in Memphis].”

Sánchez slashed .268/.313/.366 for Memphis, with four homers and 21 RBIs.

Wednesday is when rosters increase from 26 to 28, and Shildt says he feels good about the additions after working the last two pre-pandemic seasons with significantly larger squads.

“I like it. In '18 and '19, you work with your group and then you have a group, and then you have a way of competing,” Shildt said. “And then you go play that for five months on an even playing field, but a different playing field.

“I didn't think it was the way it needed to be. I do agree that it should be expansion. What's the sweet spot? I don't know. Twenty-eight tastes pretty good to me.”

The Cardinals and Reds could each add a 29th player for the second game of their doubleheader on Wednesday. For St. Louis, Shildt suggested bringing the great Willie McGee out of retirement.

“He was our 29th man, with defense in play,” joked Shildt.

Sticking with the rotation

Shildt said he will have right-hander Milos Mikolas start the day game against the Reds on Wednesday, allowing J.A. Happ to stay in his normal rotation spot for the nightcap.

Cards go to bat for 'Childhood Cancer Awareness Day'

For the sixth consecutive year, MLB and its clubs will raise awareness for childhood cancer during all games on Wednesday for a special league-wide day in home ballparks. MLB’s “Childhood Cancer Awareness Day,” held during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in collaboration with Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C), will combine a visual and ceremonial demonstration of support for the cause with outreach to local hospitals treating young patients in their communities. Approximately 15,000 children younger than 20 are diagnosed with cancer each year in the United States.

In addition, as an extension of MLB’s longstanding relationship with Starlight Children’s Foundation, the Cardinals will be one of 15 clubs receiving the Starlight Nintendo Switch Lite. The Switch Lites will be donated to a local children’s cancer hospital or pediatric cancer care unit of the Cardinals’ choosing. The game consoles will also include complimentary versions of R.B.I. Baseball 21. Clubs on the road on Sept. 1 may select another home game to observe Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

On Wednesday, all on-field personnel, including players, managers, coaches and umpires will wear gold ribbon decals and wristbands during games. Home clubs also may plan to feature ceremonial activities in its ballparks. Club activations may include youth participation in pregame ceremonies, virtual visits from players and mascots and other special recognitions. Nonprofit partners for clubs may include local hospital partners or organizations focused on childhood cancer, such as American Cancer Society, SU2C, Starlight Children’s Foundation or others.