Cardinals Southpaw Returns Shortly After Being Placed On Waivers

St. Louis pitching prospect has been outrighted after clearing waivers

The St. Louis Cardinals' pitching depth is so slim that they'll be fortunate to keep all the arms they can this offseason.

After being designated for assignment just a few days ago, a middling prospect has found his way back to the organization.

Left-handed pitcher Connor Thomas cleared waivers and has been outrighted to Triple-A Memphis, the Cardinals reported Thursday.

Thomas posted a 5.53 ERA with a 69-to-31 strikeout-to-walk ratio, .335 batting average against, and 1.75 WHIP in 94 1/3 innings for Triple-A Memphis in 2023.

The 25-year-old southpaw has struggled in the last couple of seasons but could perhaps earn his way back to the 40-man roster with an uptick in performance. The Cardinals' lack of starting depth might just be the perfect opportunity for Thomas to do so.

The former fifth-round pick has a career 4.66 ERA with a 331-to-114 strikeout-to-walk ratio, .300 batting average against and 1.51 WHIP in 90 career minor league appearances.

It's highly unlikely to see Thomas suit up for the Cardinals next season, however, he could be a potential spot-start candidate down the road.

Holding onto Thomas might not help solve the Cardinals' starting depth problem, but it doesn't hurt to have options -- outrighting Thomas gives them that.

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