Cardinals Demote Top Prospect Saggese Amid Struggles, Call Up Barrero

The St. Louis Cardinals have recently optioned top prospect Thomas Saggese back to Triple-A Memphis after a brief stint in the majors, despite his strong .341 batting average, to give him more playing time and continue his development as Jose Barrero joins the big league club. Saggese, who initially filled in for the injured Masyn Winn and impressed with consistent hitting, cooled off in his last few appearances, prompting the move. Meanwhile, the Cardinals' bullpen struggles have led to scrutiny over the usage of All-Star closer Ryan Helsley, with some analysts suggesting he should be used in higher-leverage situations to address late-inning collapses. Additionally, concerns have been raised about the team's decision to keep top pitching prospect Michael McGreevy in Triple-A despite his strong performance in spring training, as the organization’s rotation plans have left limited opportunities for young arms. These roster decisions come amid a challenging start to the season for St. Louis, who are struggling offensively and on the road, leading to ongoing debates about player development and team strategy.