Just six games into the season, the St. Louis Cardinals are already making roster moves. Infielder Thomas Saggese has been called up from Triple-A Memphis after Nolan Gorman was placed on the 10-day injured list with a right hamstring strain, retroactive to April 2.
Gorman appeared to suffer the injury while running the bases during the April 1 game against the Angels. He had started the season well, collecting four hits and a home run in just eight at-bats. The hope is that the injury is minor and won’t sideline him for long, especially since 2025 is shaping up to be a critical year after a rough 2024 campaign in which he hit just .203 and struck out at an alarming 37.6% clip. His late-season demotion to Memphis didn’t help much either—he batted .205 there—and Gorman now finds himself at a crossroads.
Saggese, who hit .253 with 20 home runs in Memphis last season, had a brief stint with the big league club in 2024 but struggled, managing a .204 average and a .556 OPS. The Cardinals sent him to the Arizona Fall League to get more reps, particularly at second base, a position he’ll now need to cover in Gorman’s absence. While Brendan Donovan will likely remain the primary second baseman, Saggese could see some spot duty.
Though Saggese isn’t viewed as a top prospect like Gorman once was, he could carve out a more significant role if Gorman’s struggles continue. Even if Saggese returns to Triple-A once Gorman is healthy, a strong showing could lead to another call-up—potentially at the expense of players like Michael Siani, who is currently limited to a defensive role late in games.
Additionally, Saggese’s versatility could come in handy as a backup to shortstop Masyn Winn, who’s off to a slow start at the plate with just one hit in 22 at-bats. While Donovan can cover shortstop if needed, his value lies in his ability to plug in anywhere.
With a crowded roster and limited opportunities, Saggese will have to make the most of his time. But with the offense sputtering, especially in the infield, his bat could end up being more valuable than expected.
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