Troublesome baseball pitcher experiencing significant progress in Memphis
Cardinals' Bullpen Turnaround: Fernandez Shines in Memphis
The St. Louis Cardinals' bullpen woes at the start of the 2025 season were nothing short of gruesome. John King, JoJo Romero, Chris Roycroft, and especially Ryan Fernandez posted horrendous ERAs, with Fernandez earning a demotion to Triple-A Memphis on April 25 due to his alarming 11.42 ERA. But things are looking up for the Bullpen Brigade, as Fernandez has been on a hot streak in the minors.
Fernandez, the right-handed pitcher, started off rocky in Memphis, allowing six earned runs in 5.1 innings over his first six games. However, something clicked, and the pitcher has been turning heads since. Over the past eight relief appearances, Fernandez boasts a sparkling 2.45 ERA in 11 innings and has fanned a whopping 16 batters. Not only has he limited opponents to a meager .171 batting average, but he's also managed to regain control of his previous elite slider, holding opposing batters to a mere .171 against it - quite the turnaround from his .500 average in 2025.
The Cardinals have been shuffling through a revolving door of relief pitchers in search of a stable presence, trying out Gordon Graceffo, Roddery Munoz, Matt Svanson, and Riley O'Brien. Fernandez's absence has been felt, as his strong performances from the 2024 season have been sorely missed.
The Redbirds' recent game schedule demands all hands on deck to keep the bullpen fresh. With Fernandez's revitalized form and the Cardinals holding only one off-day for the remainder of June, the pitcher could soon make his comeback.
Memphis Magic: Fernandez's Incredible Comeback
Fernandez's resurgence in Memphis has been instrumental. On June 15, 2025, he pitched a flawless 2.0 innings in a crucial game against Jacksonville, contributing to a Memphis win and series sweep. On June 6, Fernandez recorded his third win with another 2.0 innings of scoreless relief, leading Memphis to a series-opening victory against Indianapolis. On May 31, he was part of a combined 4.2 innings of scoreless relief, helping Memphis secure a dominating win.
With Michael McGreevy scheduled for a spot start on June 8, a spot in the cardinals' bullpen could open up, providing the perfect opportunity for Fernandez to rejoin the team. However, Fernandez was on overwork duty for Memphis on the same day. The Cardinals may instead look to other relief pitchers to fill the gap.
Conclusion:
Ryan Fernandez's recent performances in Triple-A Memphis suggest he's ready to rejoin the St. Louis Cardinals' bullpen. In his last eight appearances, he's managed to keep opponents at bay, posting a 2.45 ERA while striking out 16 batters in 11 innings. Given the Cardinals' bullpen's solid performance overall, Fernandez's return could provide valuable depth and help shore up the late-inning dominance of Kyle Leahy. Here's to hoping Fernandez's comeback will help the Cardinals maintain their momentum and continue their roaring success.
Ryan Fernandez's impressive performance in Triple-A Memphis may signal his return to the MLB, as he has managed a 2.45 ERA in his last eight appearances while striking out 16 batters in 11 innings. This could provide valuable depth to the St. Louis Cardinals' bullpen, potentially bolstering their late-inning dominance and contributing to their ongoing success.
