Cards adjust roster; Mayers claimed by Angels

ST. LOUIS -- The Cardinals’ offseason roster reconstruction continued on Friday, as the club moved three players off the 60-day injured list, outrighted one to the Minors and lost another via waivers.

Right-hander Mike Mayers, who was limited to 16 appearances with the Cards last season, largely due to injury, was claimed off waivers by the Angels after being designated for assignment. Mayers cracked St. Louis' Opening Day roster in 2019 after entering camp as an out-of-options player, but he lasted just three weeks on the active roster before being sidelined by a right shoulder lat strain. His next appearance didn’t come until July 24.

Mayers finished the season with a 6.63 ERA, and over parts of four seasons with St. Louis, he posted a 7.03 ERA in 73 appearances.

Additionally, catcher Joe Hudson, who made one big league appearance in 2019, was outrighted to the Minors, leaving the club with two catchers (Yadier Molina and Andrew Knizner) left on its 40-man roster.

Moving back onto the 40-man roster were relievers Jordan Hicks and Brett Cecil, along with outfielder Lane Thomas. All three had ended the year on the 60-day IL.

These moves, along with the removal of the team’s five free agents on Thursday, leave the Cardinals with 37 players on their 40-man roster. St. Louis can use those spots to add players via free agency or trade, as well as to protect eligible players from the December Rule 5 Draft. The deadline for that is Nov. 20.