MLB: Cards Fill 40-man With Ryan Meisinger

The Cardinals claimed right-handed relief pitcher Ryan Meisinger off waivers from today. Meisinger spend last season, his rookie campaign, with the Baltimore Orioles.

Meisinger

In 2018 Meisinger didn’t have the best year. Over 18 appearances, one start, he threw 21 innings, striking out 21 and walking 10. He also posted an ERA of 6.43 and a FIP of 6.10.

Though he does have a good slider, his fastball was a weakness for him in 2018. He’s got some improvements to make before he can become an effective big league reliever. Fortunately he’s young though at just 24 years old.

What it Means for the Cardinals

Claiming Meisinger filled the Cardinals sole remaining 40-man roster spot. This means they can’t make any more big league additions without removing someone from the roster.

Whether they sign Harper by some miracle, or just get their lefty reliever, someone has to go. Many are already speculating that this move might be leading to a trade, which would ultimately make the room needed for other additions. It could also mean the Cardinals plan on placing a lesser reliever on waivers in the coming days.

A couple of candidates for release could be Brett Cecil or Luke Gregerson. Neither guy seems to have a definite role on the 2019 squad, though they are still both owed money.

Whichever route they do go, this doesn’t mean they’re done for the offseason. It’s more likely that they are just getting started with the Winter Meetings heating up.

Featured Image by Associated Press

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