ST. LOUIS (AP) — The St. Louis Cardinals optioned right-handed pitcher Ryan Fernandez to Triple-A Memphis and recalled right-hander Riley O’Brien before Friday's game against Milwaukee.
The 26-year-old Fernandez was selected by the Cardinals from Boston in the 2023 Rule 5 draft. He emerged as a valuable piece of the Cardinals’ bullpen last season, posting a 3.51 ERA over 66 2/3 innings with two saves in 62 appearances.
This season, Fernandez has struggled, going 0-2 with a 11.43 ERA in 8 2/3 innings over 11 appearances. Fernandez entered a 1-1 game in the eighth inning Wednesday in Atlanta and allowed a go-ahead three-run homer to Braves outfielder Eli White.