Cardinals Demote Two Arms To Get To 26-Man Limit

The St. Louis Cardinals have made some decisions to get down to the 26-man roster limit that kicks in today. They've designated right-hander Aaron Brooks for assignment, and sent lefty Packy Naughton to Triple-A. 

The 32-year-old Brooks was making his return to the majors after a 3-year hiatus, and it hasn't been easy. In 9.1 innings, he allowed 8 earned runs on 11 hits and 3 home runs, for a 7.71 ERA. 

Brooks has had various trials with several other teams over the last 8 years, but overall his major league numbers aren't impressive, with a combined 6.55 ERA and a 1.50 WHIP. He spent 2020 and 2021 pitching in the KBO in Korea, where he found much more success, posting a 2.79 ERA across 36 starts. 

The 26-year-old Naughton only got into 1.1 innings for the Cardinals. He was claimed off waivers from the Los Angeles Angels before the season and now heads back down to Memphis in Triple-A where he got off to a good start this season, striking out 10.8 per 9 innings, and posting a 1.80 ERA out of the bullpen.

Photo Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports