ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - We'll learn more about the situation Tuesday afternoon, when the St. Louis Cardinals will likely have an update on Jordan Hicks torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. But it's probable that St. Louis will need to find a new closer for the rest of this season and maybe even next year.
This morning on TIAM, our Tom Ackerman brought up a few names of possible replacements that are on the roster:
Carlos Martinez:
"As long as he checks out health wise, Martinez would be a natural fit to slide right in there as he already has a couple of saves this year."
In 13 games, he's 1-0 with a 3.00 ERA and 14 strikeouts in 15 innings. Martinez has nine career saves and when he returned to the bullpen for the second half last season, he had a 1.47 ERA in 18.1 innings and was five-for-five in save opportunities.
John Gant:
"He had one bad game on Sunday against the Angels, but other than that he has been extremely effective."
He (and Dakota Hudson) has been the hero of this Cardinals pitching staff. He's 7-0 with three saves and 2.40 ERA, which is best on the team for any pitcher with more than 15 innings, this season. In his young four-year MLB career he's played about every roll pitcher could have, including spot starter, long reliever, setup man and now he could be the premier closer.
Giovanny Gallegos:
"He has been on fire lately."
The 27-year-old came over in the trade that send hometown slugger Luke Voit to the New York Yankees late last season. If he takes over as closer for St. Louis it may finally cool off some St. Louis fans who currently feel the Cards were fleeced as Voit has hit 31 home runs in 114 games with New York since last year.