Zack Thompson

ANALYSIS
Rather than sending Gray out for a minor-league rehab assignment after he tossed 54 pitches in a three-inning simulated game Wednesday, the Cardinals saw enough from the veteran right-hander to feel comfortable having him return from the IL for his next outing. According to Jones, Thompson won't be available out of the bullpen Sunday against the Marlins or in Monday's series opener with the Phillies just in case Gray suffers a setback leading up to Tuesday's game, but Thompson looks like he'll be headed for a relief role before long. Since he isn't yet fully ramped up, Gray is expected to be limited to 65 pitches Tuesday, so Thompson could even be called upon to pitch an inning or two once the former exits his start. After faring respectably upon joining the St. Louis rotation over the final two months of the 2023 campaign, Thompson has struggled to carry any momentum into 2024. Over his first two starts, Thompson has given up eight earned runs on 11 hits and six walks while striking out nine over 10.1 innings.

ANALYSIS
Miles Mikolas is the only established starter for St. Louis heading into 2024 after he inked an extension in March, and Thompson's 3.60 ERA through five starts potentially lines him up to enter spring training as a favorite for the rotation. Dakota Hudson, Drew Rom and Steven Matz, who is out with a lat injury, will also be in the mix, but Thompson could have a leg up if he's able to pitch well over the final month of the season.