The St. Louis Cardinals got a jolt of excitement—and a dose of bad luck—on Friday. In a long-awaited move, the Cardinals officially promoted infield prospect Thomas Saggese, one of the hottest bats in the minor leagues. Fans have been clamoring for his call-up, and now they finally got their wish. But the celebration was cut short by some unfortunate injury news: catcher and designated hitter Iván Herrera has been placed on the 10-Day Injured List with a Grade 2 left hamstring strain.
According to MLB.com’s John Denton, Herrera underwent an MRI in St. Louis that revealed the strain, and he’s expected to miss between two to six weeks—a significant blow to a Cardinals lineup that’s leaned on his production all season.
“Cardinals DH/catcher Iván Herrera said an MRI taken today in St. Louis showed a Grade 2 strain in his left hamstring,” Denton reported. “He said he has been told he will miss ‘two to six weeks.’ He was warned that if he continued to play on the strain that it could lead to a season-ending injury.”
Herrera detailed how the injury occurred during the team’s recent doubleheader against the White Sox, telling The Athletic’s Katie Woo that he felt something pull while trying to stretch a hit into a double.
Hamstring Ain’t No Joke
“I tried to go for two bases and I felt a pull in my hamstring, a small spot. I didn’t think it was bad. “Herrera said,” I didn’t feel uncomfortable, but they did take me out of the game…I thought I could keep playing. I was hoping that I could play today. But (the team) said if I keep playing with it, I risk missing all year.”
It’s a frustrating setback for the 24-year-old, who’s been one of St. Louis’ most productive offensive players this season. Herrera has been an absolute beast in the batters box whether playing catcher and DH.
With Herrera Out will Saggese Shine?
While Herrera’s absence leaves a noticeable void, the arrival of Thomas Saggese brings a spark. The versatile infielder has been tearing it up in Triple-A, flashing gap power, a high-contact approach, and defensive versatility. That skillset will prove useful as the team navigates a pivotal stretch ahead of the 2025 MLB trade deadline, and might just make some established players easier to trade.
The big question now: Can Saggese keep the momentum going and fill the gap left by Herrera’s injury? Cardinals fans will be hoping for both a fast return from Herrera and a strong debut from Saggese to keep St. Louis in the thick of the postseason chase.
