Hansen Takes Step Forward, with Scheduled Bullpen Session

Hansen Takes Step Forward, with Scheduled Bullpen Session

The Cardinal Chronicle

Left-hander Pete Hansen iwas scheduled to throw a bullpen session Monday as he works his way back from left shoulder stiffness, according to Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat.

For Hansen, this isn’t just another February side session. It’s a checkpoint.

The 25-year-old southpaw had been slowed early in camp, and while the Cardinals have treated the stiffness cautiously, any time a pitcher’s shoulder is involved, the organization is going to pump the brakes. A bullpen session represents forward progress — a sign that the arm is responding and that a return to game action is beginning to come into view.

Still, even with a clean bullpen, Hansen may open the season a step behind. The likely destination when he’s cleared for regular work is Triple-A Memphis, where he would continue building innings and sharpening his command.

That assignment would be a natural progression.

In 2025 at Double-A Springfield, Hansen logged 137.1 innings with a 3.93 ERA, striking out 123 against just 37 walks. The numbers tell a steady story — durability, strike-throwing, and the ability to navigate a lineup multiple times. He’s not overpowering, but he competes, changes speeds, and works the zone. That profile tends to age well.

The Cardinals have valued Hansen’s polish since drafting him, and the next step in his development is proving he can handle upper-level hitters with consistency. Triple-A will test whether his mix can miss enough bats against more experienced lineups.

For now, though, Monday’s bullpen is the headline. No rush. No drama. Just the quiet work of getting back on the mound.

In a system that continues to build pitching depth, Hansen remains part of the picture. The key is simple: stay healthy, take the ball, and keep climbing.