Cardinals Call Up 2019 First-Rounder; Gets First MLB Save

The St. Louis Cardinals made a flurry of moves ahead of Friday's game, including the call-up of their 2019 first-round draft pick, left-hander Zach Thompson. He made his major league debut and even picked up his first big league save in Friday's 14-5 win over the Chicago Cubs. 

Thompson tossed 4 innings of one-run ball in relief of Miles Mikolas to record the save.

You’re a Major Leaguer, @zack_thompson25! pic.twitter.com/xl5DESq3io

— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) June 3, 2022

I've been very impressed with Zach Thompson today. He looked pretty good in his major league debut. #STLCards

— Rinedog (@Rinedog1) June 3, 2022

One of their top pitching prospects, Thompson takes the roster spot of another high-end hurler, Matthew Liberatore. 

The 24-year-old Thompson had a bit of trouble making the jump in 2021 from Single-A to Triple-A, resulting in a 7.35 ERA in 19 starts at Memphis, but still came into the season as their No. 9 prospect. 

At Triple-A this year, Thompson had shown improvement in 10 starts, with a 4.67 ERA and a solid 1.15 WHIP. His strikeout potential is still evident, at 11.4 K/9. 

Other moves included recalling right-hander Johan Oviedo, designating infielder Kramer Robertson for assignment, as well as demoting righty Kodi Whitley along with Liberatore. 

Photo Credit: Quinn Harris-USA TODAY Sports