Injuries & Moves: Cards protect 4 from Rule 5 Draft
This page will be updated throughout the offseason, with all the latest Cardinals signings, news and transactions.
LATEST NEWS
Nov. 19: RHP Tink Hence, RHP Tekoah Roby, RHP Matt Svanson, OF Matt Koperniak added to 40-man roster; LHP Drew Rom outrighted to Triple-A Memphis
As expected, Hence (No. 2 Cardinals prospect) and Roby (No. 6) were added to the roster before the Nov. 19 MLB deadline to protect them from next month’s Rule 5 Draft. Svanson's addition follows an impressive 2024 season with Double-A Springfield before he struggled a bit in the Arizona Fall League. Koperniak also had an outstanding '24 season with Memphis, slashing .309/.370/.512/.882 with 20 homers, 28 doubles and 73 RBIs in 122 games.
Rom, who missed all of the 2024 season following surgery to repair damage in his left shoulder, was outrighted after clearing waivers. He made eight starts for the Cardinals in 2023, going 1-4 with an 8.02 ERA. The one win came vs. the O's, the club that picked him in the fourth round of the 2018 MLB Draft. More >>
Nov. 1: Cardinals claim RHP Roddery Muñoz, add him to their 40-man roster
Muñoz, 24, was claimed off waivers from the Marlins on Friday and added to the Cardinals 40-man roster. Muñoz is a native of the Dominican Republic who made his MLB debut on April 20 with the Marlins.
After pitching in the Minor Leagues for six seasons with the Braves, Nats and Marlins, Muñoz reached the big leagues in 2024 and struggled in 18 games (17 starts). Not only was he 2-7 with a 6.53 ERA, but he also allowed 26 home runs and 42 walks in 82 2/3 innings pitched. Muñoz led MLB pitchers with at least 80 innings pitched in homers allowed per nine innings (2.8) and was tied for third in walks per nine innings (4.6).
INJURY UPDATES
RHP Sonny Gray (right forearm flexor tendinitis)
Expected return: 2025
With the Cardinals out of the playoff chase, the club shut its ace down for the remainder of the season in late September because of forearm tendinitis. Gray -- who signed a three-year, $75 million deal with St. Louis in the 2023-24 offseason -- led the rotation in wins (13), strikeouts (203) and WHIP (1.09). (Last updated: Sept. 29)
LHP JoJo Romero (left forearm flexor tendon inflammation)
Expected return: 2025
Romero was shelved with left forearm flexor tendon inflammation on Sept. 25. Rather than have him push through the pain and stiffness that he was feeling, the Cards thought it wise for the lefty reliever to shut down his career year. The 28-year-old setup man went 7-3 with one save and a 3.36 ERA over 65 appearances. (Last updated: Sept. 29)
LHP Drew Rom (left shoulder surgery)
Expected return: 2025
Rom, who was acquired in August 2023 from the Orioles in a trade that involved Jack Flaherty, did not pitch in '24 after suffering a left shoulder injury during Spring Training. He made three spring starts before being put on the injured list. Rom made his MLB debut in '23 with the Cardinals and notched his first and only MLB win against the Orioles. The Cards are confident that Rom will be ready for Spring Training 2025. (Last updated: Sept. 29)