Cardinals Farm Journal: Week of 8/13-19

Notable farm news of the week came on Saturday, when the Cardinals optioned RHP Mike Mayers back to Triple-A and purchased the contract of RHP Josh Lucas from the Redbirds.

Lucas, 26, made his Major League debut on Saturday, pitching two innings of relief. Lucas whiffed Pirates utility player John Jaso for his first strikeout. Lucas was 8-1 with a 3.34 earned run average and a 65:9 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 43 relief appearances at Triple-A. Lucas recorded 14 saves in 17 opportunities.

Here are some notable performances from the week:

Pitcher of the Week: Memphis Redbirds starting pitcher John Gant

In two starts for the Redbirds in the time frame (8/14 at Nashville and 8/19 vs. New Orleans), John Gant surrendered one earned run over 11 ²⁄₃ innings with four walks and a dozen punchouts. Gant is 6-5 with Memphis this season with a 3.82 earned run average in 17 games and starts.

Player of the Week: Springfield Cardinals second baseman Eliezer Alvarez

Springfield second baseman Eliezer Alvarez went 6-for-22 with three doubles, five runs scored, and eight runs batted in. Alvarez has 22 RBIs, 21 runs scored, and nine doubles in 42 games with the Cardinals this year.

Player to Watch: Peoria Chiefs outfielder Dylan Carlson

Since August 14, Chiefs outfielder Dylan Carlson is 7-for-18 with seven runs scored, three driven in, and two doubles. Carlson has 18 doubles and 56 runs scored in 103 games with Peoria this year.

~

Sunday’s probables:

MEM: Dakota Hudson

SPR: Austin Gomber

PMB: Cancelled - rain

PEO: Evan Kruczynski

SC: Andrew Summerville

JNC: Edwar Ramirez