St. Louis Calls Up Granillo, Siani From Triple-A Memphis \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ The St. Louis Cardinals have called up reliever Andre Granillo and outfielder Michael Siani from Triple-A Memphis. Pitcher Chris Roycroft was optioned, and Ryan Vilade was designated for assignment. Granillo, making his MLB debut, has impressed with a 1.82 ERA in Triple-A.
Quick Looks
- St. Louis promotes Andre Granillo and Michael Siani from Triple-A Memphis.
- Chris Roycroft was optioned; outfielder Ryan Vilade was designated for assignment.
- Granillo, 25, will make his MLB debut after dominating in Triple-A.
- Granillo has 46 strikeouts and just eight walks in 29.2 innings.
- He credits improved control and pitch quality for his leap.
- Siani previously appeared in 18 games for the Cardinals this year.
- In Triple-A, Siani is batting .263 with five home runs and eight steals.
- Roycroft posted a 6.92 ERA in 14 appearances for St. Louis.
- Vilade hit 1-for-13 with the Cardinals and was also released by Detroit last year.
- The roster shakeup came ahead of a four-game series at Milwaukee.
Deep Look
As the St. Louis Cardinals begin a crucial four-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers, the organization is sending a clear message: change is necessary. On Thursday, the team announced a series of roster moves designed to inject fresh energy into a team in flux. Rising Triple-A talents Andre Granillo and Michael Siani were promoted from Memphis, while struggling reliever Chris Roycroft was optioned and outfielder Ryan Vilade was designated for assignment. These moves reflect not just short-term needs, but strategic recalibrations as the Cardinals aim to stabilize performance in a competitive NL Central.
Andre Granillo’s Long-Awaited Debut
The centerpiece of the roster shuffle is undoubtedly the MLB debut of 25-year-old right-handed reliever Andre Granillo. A 14th-round draft pick out of UC Riverside, Granillo has worked his way up the Cardinals’ farm system through pure tenacity and late development. In 2024, he’s emerged as one of Triple-A’s most dominant bullpen arms. Through 18 appearances for Memphis, Granillo has posted a 1.82 ERA, 46 strikeouts, and only eight walks in 29.2 innings—a dramatic turnaround for a pitcher once plagued by control issues.
His success this season stems from improved command and pitch quality, the product of an offseason wake-up call delivered by his personal pitching coach, Brandon James. “The glaring thing was my walks,” Granillo admitted. “He said, ‘You’re not ready to be a big leaguer because you walk everybody.’ That hit me hard, but it was the truth.”
Granillo took that criticism to heart. By refining his mechanics and focusing on attack mindset pitching, he transformed himself into a reliable late-inning option. With the Cardinals bullpen searching for stability amid injuries and inconsistency, his timing couldn’t be better.
Over 172 career minor league appearances—all in relief—Granillo is 21-15 with a 3.74 ERA. But it’s this season that’s truly defined his readiness. His strikeout-to-walk ratio, composure on the mound, and ability to locate under pressure have vaulted him to the majors.
Michael Siani’s Speed and Versatility Return
Outfielder Michael Siani also rejoins the Cardinals’ roster after a solid showing in Memphis. The 25-year-old made an earlier appearance this season, hitting .250 in 18 games with the big club. In Triple-A, he’s hitting .263 with a .348 on-base percentage, five home runs, 17 RBIs, and eight stolen bases in 33 games.
Siani’s value lies in his versatility. A left-handed hitter with strong defensive instincts and elite speed, he offers the Cardinals options in both center field coverage and pinch-running situations. His presence also allows the team to manage outfield matchups more strategically, especially with the injury history among regular starters.
Beyond his tools, Siani’s energy and consistency could provide a needed spark. He’s been praised by coaches in Memphis for his work ethic and clubhouse leadership, traits that could help galvanize a club looking for momentum.
Roycroft and Vilade Sent Down or Out
Chris Roycroft, who turns 28 next week, was the odd man out in the bullpen shuffle. After 14 appearances with a bloated 6.92 ERA, the right-hander returns to Triple-A in search of rhythm and confidence. While Roycroft has shown flashes of potential, including a lively fastball, his struggles with control and run prevention made his demotion necessary.
Outfielder Ryan Vilade, 26, was designated for assignment after a brief stint that yielded just one hit in 13 at-bats. Vilade had already been on the fringes of the roster after being picked up from Detroit, where he hit .178 in 17 games last season. Despite his pedigree as a former second-round pick, Vilade has yet to translate potential into production at the MLB level. The move clears roster space and reflects a shifting focus toward players with more upside or immediate impact.
Strategic Implications
These roster changes are about more than filling immediate needs—they reflect the Cardinals’ broader strategic adjustments. With the team hovering below expectations and the bullpen under strain, the front office is taking action. Granillo’s promotion may indicate a new willingness to trust high-performing minor leaguers over struggling veterans. Meanwhile, Siani’s return speaks to a prioritization of speed, defense, and depth.
St. Louis has also been deliberate in building a more flexible 40-man roster. DFA’ing Vilade opens the door for other fringe players or prospects to get a look, especially if Granillo or Siani impresses in the coming weeks.
The timing of these moves—just before a key divisional series in Milwaukee—also suggests urgency. The Brewers have been a thorn in St. Louis’ side for several seasons, and with playoff positioning already shaping up, the Cardinals need to gain ground.
Looking Ahead
All eyes will be on Andre Granillo’s debut, which could come in a high-leverage situation given the state of the Cardinals’ bullpen. His success or struggles could have a cascading effect on how St. Louis approaches bullpen management for the remainder of the season. Siani, too, has a chance to carve out a permanent role if he continues to hit and plays sharp defense.
For a team trying to balance contention with development, these moves could mark the beginning of a youth-driven shift. With Triple-A success translating into big-league opportunities, the Cardinals appear ready to reward performance—and recalibrate expectations.
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