All-Star Cardinals Reliever Confirmed To Miss Two Months

The breakthrough was long-awaited, and finally in 2021, former St. Louis Cardinals top prospect Alex Reyes lived up to expectations, saving 29 games for the Cards, before losing the closer's job in September. 

Last week, he was diagnosed with a frayed labrum in his throwing shoulder, and received a stem cell injection. He was to be held back from throwing for two weeks. Now, the Cardinals have placed Reyes on the 60-day IL, and he won't be back until at least June. 

Reyes had limited throwing in the offseason

The 27-year-old was an All-Star in 2021 for his dominant performance in the first half of the season. September saw a downturn in his ability to close games, and he surrendered the closer spot to Giovanny Gallegos. Reyes finished the year with 29 saves, and a scintillating 11.8 K/9, along with a 3.24 ERA.

Reyes was limited in the offseason by soreness, and wasn't able to throw off a mound at all. The inability to have contact with team medical staff during the lockout certainly set him back, and now the Cardinals and Reyes are paying the price. 

Photo Credit: Mark Hoffman / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel via Imagn Content Services, LLC