Cardinals Reduce Active Roster to 26 Players; Naughton and Brooks Come Off Roster

CARDINALS REDUCE ACTIVE ROSTER TO 26 PLAYERS; PITCHERS NAUGHTON & BROOKS COME OFF ROSTER TODAY AS MLB REDUCES ACTIVE ROSTERS TO 26

ST. LOUIS, MO., May 2, 2022 – Prior to today’s game, the St. Louis Cardinals announced that they have reduced their active roster by rule to 26 players.

The team announced this morning that left-handed pitcher Packy Naughton has been optioned to the Memphis (AAA) roster and right-handed pitcher Aaron Brooks has been designated for assignment.

Naugthon, a rookie, appeared in one game following his recall on April 22. Brooks has appeared in five games, totaling 9.1 innings pitched in relief.

— STL —

Today is the deadline to reduce rosters to 26; MLB allowed a roster of 28 active players because of the shorten spring training.

Naughton isn’t a surprise to be sent down; he was recently called up and only saw 1 game.

Brooks was a little more surprising. He was one of the few major league signings for the team this off-season and the team has been more hesitent to drop a guy with guaranteed money; that said, he’s only owed $1.4M this season and his contract is up at the end of the year. He’s also struggled in his return to the U.S.; he’s sporting a 7.71 ERA and 1.39 WHIP in his 5 appearances. His ERA is supported by a 6.73 FIP. The Cardinals will have 10 days to trade, release, or demote Brooks. Brooks has been tentatively updated on the team Salary Matrix.