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The Cardinal Chronicle Cardinals Open Crucial Interleague Set Against the Texas Rangers St. Louis, MO By Ray MileurThe St. Louis Cardinals return to Busch Stadium tonight to open a three-game interleague series against the Texas Rangers, beginning a short but important homestand after a hard-fought weekend against the Chicago Cubs.There will also be a familiar face in the opposing dugout, as Texas manager Skip Schumaker returns to Busch Stadium, where he remains a fan favorite from his days wearing the birds on the bat. Schumaker played for the Cardinals from 2005 through 2012, was part of the 2011 World Series championship club, and later served as the Cardinals’ bench coach before continuing his managerial climb. Now leading the Rangers, Schumaker brings Texas into St. Louis not as a stranger, but as one of those former Cardinals who still gets a well-earned welcome from the Busch Stadium crowd.St. Louis enters the series at 31-26, still holding firm in second place in the National League Central and trying to keep pace in what has become a tightly contested division race. Texas comes to town at 28-31, but the Rangers arrive with some momentum after winning three straight as they try to climb back into the American League West picture.This is the kind of early-June series that does not always feel big on the calendar, but it can matter plenty by the time September rolls around. For the Cardinals, it is another chance to prove that the recent stretch of improved baseball is more than just a good run. For the Rangers, it is a chance to turn a three-game winning streak into something more substantial.Series ScheduleMonday, June 1 — 6:45 p.m. CDT Texas Rangers at St. Louis Cardinals RHP Michael McGreevy (3-4, 2.98 ERA) vs. RHP Jacob deGrom (3-4, 4.77 ERA) Cards.TV / KMOX / WIJRTuesday, June 2 — 6:45 p.m. CDT Texas Rangers at St. Louis Cardinals RHP Dustin May (3-6, 4.57 ERA) vs. RHP Nathan Eovaldi (5-6, 3.93 ERA) Cards.TV / KMOX / WIJRWednesday, June 3 — 6:45 p.m. CDT Texas Rangers at St. Louis Cardinals RHP Andre Pallante (5-4, 4.19 ERA) vs. LHP MacKenzie Gore (4-4, 3.96 ERA) Cards.TV / KMOX / WIJRThe opener brings one of the most intriguing matchups of the series, with Michael McGreevy getting the ball for St. Louis against Jacob deGrom. DeGrom’s name still carries ace-level weight, even if his current numbers show a pitcher who has been more hittable than the vintage version that dominated the National League for years.McGreevy, meanwhile, continues to give the Cardinals the kind of steady, strike-throwing presence this rotation badly needed. He is not overpowering hitters in the traditional sense, but he has shown the ability to pitch, compete, and keep St. Louis in games. Against a Rangers lineup that can still punish mistakes, McGreevy’s command and poise will be tested.Tuesday’s game features Dustin May against Nathan Eovaldi, another veteran arm with postseason experience. May has had an uneven season, but his stuff gives the Cardinals a chance if he can work ahead and avoid the crooked inning. Eovaldi remains a tough assignment, especially when he is pounding the zone and forcing hitters to earn their way on base.The finale gives Andre Pallante the start for St. Louis against left-hander MacKenzie Gore. Pallante has had his ups and downs, but he remains capable of giving the Cardinals competitive innings when he keeps the ball on the ground and limits free passes. Gore gives Texas a different look from the left side, which should make lineup construction an important piece of Wednesday night’s matchup.Offensively, the Cardinals will be looking to build on the flashes of depth they have shown in recent weeks. When this club strings together quality at-bats, uses the whole field, and puts pressure on opposing defenses, it looks like a much different team. The Cardinals have been at their best when the lineup is not waiting for one big swing, but instead forcing pitchers to work through traffic.Jordan Walker remains one of the key bats to watch. His recent stretch has shown signs of progress, and when he is driving the baseball with authority, the middle of the order carries a different look. Ivan Herrera also continues to be one of the more dependable offensive pieces on the roster, giving the Cardinals needed production at a premium position.For Texas, the power threat is real. Jake Burger leads the Rangers with 10 home runs, and this is still a lineup capable of changing a game quickly if pitchers fall behind or defenses give away extra outs. The Rangers have not been as consistent offensively as they would like, but their recent three-game winning streak is a reminder that a talented club can get dangerous in a hurry.The late innings may decide this series. The Cardinals’ bullpen will need to be sharp, especially against a Texas team that can take advantage of mistakes and extend innings when given the opportunity. St. Louis cannot afford extra bases through walks, defensive miscues, or missed execution. Against a club with the Rangers’ experience, clean baseball matters.For the Cardinals, the formula remains simple: get solid starting pitching, take quality at-bats, protect the baseball defensively, and get the game to the late innings with a lead. That may not sound fancy, but fancy does not win in June. Sound baseball does.The Cardinals have played themselves into position to be taken seriously in the National League Central. Now they have to keep stacking series, especially at home. This three-game set against Texas is another measuring stick — and another opportunity to show that the Cardinals are not just hanging around.They are trying to stay in the fight. The Cardinal Chronicle, in association with Gateway Sports Preserving the Past, Promoting the Present, and Projecting the Future.Check out The Cardinal Chronicle for more St. Louis Cardinals coverage, daily farm reports, prospect updates and old-school baseball commentary: <a data-mce-href="http://www.cardinalchronicle.com" href="http://www.cardinalchronicle.com" title="www.cardinalchronicle.com">www.cardinalchronicle.com﻿</a> Photo Credit: Skip Schumaker, Texas Rangers | Dallas Morning News

Cardinals Open Crucial Interleague Set Against the Texas Rangers

The Cardinal Chronicle Player of the Day: Miguel Ugueto, Springfield Cardinals St. Louis, MO By Ray MileurMiguel Ugueto earns The Cardinal Chronicle’s Player of the Day honors after delivering the biggest swing of the day in the Cardinals’ farm system.Ugueto launched a three-run walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth inning Sunday, capping Springfield’s second walk-off win of the day against Wichita. It was his fourth home run of the season, and it came at the perfect time.Springfield trailed 5-1 entering the bottom of the ninth in the nightcap. That usually means a quiet finish, a quick handshake line, and everybody heading home. Not this time.The Cardinals mounted a five-run rally on five hits, putting themselves back in position to steal a game that looked nearly gone. Then Ugueto finished it, sending a three-run shot over the Route 66 Stadium manual scoreboard to give Springfield a 6-5 win.That is not just a good moment. That is the kind of swing that changes the whole feel of a clubhouse.Springfield had already walked off Wichita earlier in the day after completing Saturday’s suspended game. To win twice in walk-off fashion on the same Sunday is rare enough. To have the second one end on a three-run homer in the ninth makes Ugueto’s moment impossible to ignore.Palm Beach’s Facundo Velásquez had a strong case after hitting a grand slam that flipped the game during an eight-run eighth inning. César Prieto also deserves mention after delivering a ninth-inning go-ahead home run for Memphis. Both were big-time swings.But Ugueto gets the headline.Down four runs in the ninth, second walk-off of the day, three-run homer over the scoreboard. That is Player of the Day material.The Cardinal Chronicle Player of the Day Miguel Ugueto, Springfield Cardinals Three-run walk-off home run The Cardinal Chronicle, in association with Gateway Sports Preserving the Past, Promoting the Present, and Projecting the Future.Check out The Cardinal Chronicle for more St. Louis Cardinals coverage, daily farm reports, prospect updates and old-school baseball commentary: <a data-mce-href="http://www.cardinalchronicle.com" href="http://www.cardinalchronicle.com" title="www.cardinalchronicle.com">www.cardinalchronicle.com</a>Photo Credit: Miguel Ugueto, Springfield Cardinals | MilB | PJ Maigi

Player of the Day: Miguel Ugueto, Springfield Cardinals

The Cardinal Chronicle Pitcher of the Day, Braden Davis, Springfield Cardinals St. Louis, MO By Ray MileurBraden Davis earns The Cardinal Chronicle’s Pitcher of the Day honors after delivering the best pitching line in the Cardinals’ farm system on Sunday.Davis struck out nine batters over 5.1 scoreless innings in Springfield’s nightcap win over Wichita, giving the Cardinals exactly what they needed on a long day of baseball at Hammons Field.Springfield had already walked off Wichita once earlier in the day after completing Saturday’s suspended game. In the second game, Davis made sure the Cardinals had a chance to do it again. He kept Wichita off the board, attacked the strike zone, and gave Springfield a dominant start before the offense came alive late.The line speaks for itself: 5.1 scoreless innings, nine strikeouts, and no damage on the scoreboard.For a Springfield club trying to build momentum, that kind of outing matters. Davis did not simply keep the Cardinals in the game. He gave them room to breathe and kept the night from getting away before Miguel Ugueto delivered the dramatic walk-off swing in the ninth.The larger trend is worth noting, too. Davis has now struck out 19 batters across his last two starts, the kind of back-to-back performance that deserves attention. One good start can be a flash. Two straight starts like this begin to look like something worth following.Matt Svanson deserves strong mention after throwing two perfect innings with four strikeouts for Memphis, and Nelfy Ynfante gave Palm Beach three shutout innings in relief. But Davis’ 5.1 scoreless innings with nine strikeouts stood above the rest.On a day filled with late drama throughout the Cardinals’ system, Braden Davis gave Springfield the foundation it needed.The Cardinal Chronicle Pitcher of the Day Braden Davis, Springfield Cardinals 5.1 scoreless innings, nine strikeouts The Cardinal Chronicle, in association with Gateway Sports Preserving the Past, Promoting the Present, and Projecting the Future.Check out The Cardinal Chronicle for more St. Louis Cardinals coverage, daily farm reports, prospect updates and old-school baseball commentary: <a data-mce-href="http://www.cardinalchronicle.com" href="http://www.cardinalchronicle.com" title="www.cardinalchronicle.com">www.cardinalchronicle.com</a>Photo Credit: Braden Davis, Springfield Cardinals | MLB.com

Pitcher of the Day: Braden Davis, Springfield Cardinals

The Cardinal Chronicle Daily Farm Report St. Louis, MO By Ray MileurFarm Report: 4-1, Multiple Rallies &amp; Two Walk Offs by SpringfieldThe Cardinals’ farm system finished the month of May with a strong Sunday, going 4-1 across completed games. Memphis rallied late to move into a first-place tie in the International League, Springfield walked off Wichita twice, Palm Beach exploded for an eighth-inning comeback, and Peoria dropped its series finale in Wisconsin.Memphis Redbirds Record: 35-22, Tied for 1st Place, International League Result: Memphis 6, Omaha 5Memphis closed its six-game series and 12-game road trip with a 6-5 win over Omaha, taking five of six from the Storm Chasers and moving back into a first-place tie with Nashville atop the International League standings.César Prieto delivered the biggest swing of the night, launching a go-ahead solo home run with two outs in the top of the ninth inning. It was Prieto’s second homer in as many games since being optioned back to Memphis by St. Louis. That is how a player answers the bell.The Redbirds also received three-hit games from Bligh Madris, Ramon Mendoza and Colton Ledbetter. Madris scored three runs, Mendoza drove in two, and Ledbetter added an RBI. Brody Moore tied the game with his second RBI of the night in the eighth inning, setting the stage for Prieto’s ninth-inning blast.On the mound, Memphis used a bullpen game. Matt Svanson was excellent, throwing two perfect innings with four strikeouts, while Luis Gastelum closed it with two scoreless frames to earn his team-leading sixth win of the season.Springfield Cardinals Record: 23-27,&nbsp; 3rd Place, 8.5 GB, Texas League North Results: Springfield 6, Wichita 5; Springfield 6, Wichita 5Springfield had itself a Sunday to remember, walking off Wichita twice at Hammons Field. The Cardinals first completed Saturday’s suspended game with a walk-off win in the bottom of the eighth, then followed it with another walk-off in the nightcap when Miguel Ugueto launched a dramatic three-run homer.In the resumed opener, Jurrangelo Cijntje had started the game before Saturday’s suspension and struck out six over five innings, allowing three runs on three hits and two walks. Noah Mendlinger and Ryan Campos both delivered RBI doubles before the game was halted, and Jon Jon Gazdar scored on a throwing error after play resumed Sunday.The nightcap belonged to Braden Davis and then, late, to Ugueto. Davis struck out nine over 5.1 scoreless innings, giving Springfield a dominant start and continuing an impressive two-start stretch in which he has struck out 19 batters.Springfield trailed 5-1 in the bottom of the ninth before mounting a five-run rally on five hits. Ugueto finished it with his fourth home run of the season, a three-run shot over the Route 66 Stadium manual scoreboard. That is about as loud as a walk-off gets.Peoria Chiefs Record: 24-27, 5th Place, 8.0 GB, Midwest League West Result: Wisconsin 5, Peoria 3Peoria could not finish off the series with another win, falling 5-3 to Wisconsin on Sunday afternoon. The Chiefs went just 2-for-15 with runners in scoring position and stranded 10 runners, which tells most of the story right there.Cameron Nickens gave Peoria an early lead with a two-run double in the second inning, but Wisconsin answered quickly with a two-run homer from Luis Castillo. Blake Aita settled in after that and worked out of a major jam in the fourth, retiring three straight batters with runners on second and third and nobody out.The Chiefs jumped back ahead in the fifth when Tre Richardson III reached on an error and used heads-up baserunning to move around the bases. Jesús Báez cashed him in with an RBI double to give Peoria a 3-2 lead.The game turned in the sixth. Peoria loaded the bases in the top half but came away empty. Wisconsin answered in the bottom half, tying the game on a bases-loaded walk and taking the lead on a fielder’s choice. Andrew Fischer added insurance with his league-leading 15th home run in the seventh.Palm Beach Cardinals Record: 29-22, 1st Place, Florida State League East Result: Palm Beach 10, Lakeland 6Palm Beach closed out May with a wild 10-6 comeback win over Lakeland, scoring eight runs in the bottom of the eighth inning and hitting four home runs in the frame. With the win, and Jupiter’s loss, Palm Beach moved into first place in the Florida State League East Division.Lakeland built a 3-0 lead through three innings, but Palm Beach began to chip away in the seventh. Trevor Haskins singled, Chase Heath scored on a wild pitch, and Brayden Smith followed with an RBI single to cut the deficit to 3-2.The Flying Tigers pushed the lead to 6-2 in the eighth, but Palm Beach answered with one of the biggest innings of the season. Jonathan Mejia started the fireworks with his eighth home run of the year. After two walks and a single, Facundo Velásquez unloaded a grand slam to put Palm Beach in front 7-6.The Cardinals were not finished. Ryan Mitchell followed with a two-run homer, and Michael Dattalo added a solo shot. It marked the first time in Palm Beach franchise history that the Cardinals hit four home runs in one inning, and the eight-run frame matched a season high for runs in an inning.Nelfy Ynfante gave Palm Beach three shutout innings out of the bullpen, and Justin Militello handled the ninth to finish off the win.Player of the Day Miguel Ugueto, Springfield CardinalsMiguel Ugueto is The Cardinal Chronicle’s Player of the Day after launching a three-run walk-off home run to cap Springfield’s second walk-off win of the day.Palm Beach had a strong argument with Facundo Velásquez, whose grand slam flipped the game in an eight-run eighth inning. César Prieto also delivered a ninth-inning go-ahead homer for Memphis.But Ugueto’s swing ended the day in Springfield in dramatic fashion. Down 5-1 in the bottom of the ninth, Springfield mounted a five-run rally, and Ugueto finished it with his fourth home run of the season. Two walk-offs in one day is rare enough. Ending the second one with a three-run homer over the manual scoreboard gets the headline.Pitcher of the Day Braden Davis, Springfield CardinalsBraden Davis earns The Cardinal Chronicle’s Pitcher of the Day honors after striking out nine batters over 5.1 scoreless innings in Springfield’s nightcap win over Wichita.That is the best pitching line of the day in the system.Davis gave Springfield exactly what it needed, keeping Wichita off the board and giving the Cardinals a chance to stay close before the late comeback. He has now struck out 19 batters across his last two starts, which is the kind of trend worth watching.Matt Svanson deserves strong mention after throwing two perfect innings with four strikeouts for Memphis, and Nelfy Ynfante gave Palm Beach three shutout innings in relief. But Davis’ 5.1 scoreless with nine strikeouts stands above the rest. The Cardinal Chronicle, in association with Gateway Sports Preserving the Past, Promoting the Present, and Projecting the Future.Check out The Cardinal Chronicle for more St. Louis Cardinals coverage, daily farm reports, prospect updates and old-school baseball commentary: <a data-mce-href="http://www.cardinalchronicle.com" href="http://www.cardinalchronicle.com" title="www.cardinalchronicle.com" data-mce-selected="inline-boundary">www.cardinalchronicle.com</a>Photo Credit: Miguel Ugueto, Springfield Cardinals | Springfield Daily Citizen

Farm Report: 4-1, Multiple Rallies & Two Walk Offs by Springfield

Cardinal Chronicle The Cardinals Top Prospect Rankings&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; St. Louis, MO By Ray MileurThe Cardinals’ prospect board is beginning to move.This is not a complete rejection of preseason scouting reports, and it is not a hot-sheet ranking built on one good week. But by the end of May, enough baseball has been played to begin separating steady progress from reputation, and current production from projected promise.MLB Pipeline’s preseason Cardinals list had Liam Doyle, Rainiel Rodriguez, Joshua Báez and Jurrangelo Cijntje as the organization’s top four prospects behind JJ Wetherholt, with Doyle, Rodriguez, Báez and Cijntje also carrying Top 100 recognition nationally. Pipeline also noted the system’s catching depth, with Rodriguez, Leo Bernal and Jimmy Crooks all among the organization’s top eight prospects.Our June board keeps the foundation intact, but the order has changed. Rodriguez has moved to the top. Báez and Crooks have forced their way into the upper tier. Tanner Franklin’s rise is no longer background noise. And several arms in the lower half of the list have either climbed, held or slipped based on how the first two months have played out.Here is the Cardinal Chronicle June Top 30.1. Rainiel Rodriguez, C, Double-A — MLB Pipeline: No. 2 Rodriguez takes over the top spot because the combination of age, position and production is too strong to ignore. A 19-year-old catcher producing a .276 average, .387 on-base percentage and .828 OPS against advanced competition is carrying premium prospect value. The power has not fully exploded yet, but the offensive foundation is strong, and the position makes the profile even more valuable.2. Liam Doyle, LHP, Double-A — MLB Pipeline: No. 1 Doyle remains near the top because the arm still plays at a high level, even if the early numbers have been rough. His 6.44 ERA and 1.60 WHIP are not top-prospect production, but 40 strikeouts in 29.1 innings show the swing-and-miss ability is still there. The ranking is still driven by upside, fastball quality and left-handed power, but the gap has narrowed.3. Joshua Báez, OF, Triple-A — MLB Pipeline: No. 3 Báez has done exactly what a power prospect must do at Triple-A: make noise. Through May 28, he is hitting .251 with an .884 OPS, 15 home runs and 37 RBIs. The strikeouts are still part of the profile, but the power production at the doorstep of the majors is too loud to treat as a side note. He has moved from interesting to important.4. Jimmy Crooks, C, Triple-A — MLB Pipeline: No. 7 Crooks is one of the biggest movers on this board. A Triple-A catcher with a .262 average, .412 on-base percentage, .567 slugging percentage, .979 OPS and 13 home runs has earned a top-five ranking. This is not just about defense or proximity anymore. The bat has forced the conversation.5. Tanner Franklin, RHP, High-A — MLB Pipeline: No. 10 Franklin is the biggest pitching riser in the system. His 3.31 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 43 strikeouts in 32.2 innings at High-A point to real movement, and MLB Pipeline already gives him one of the best fastball grades in the organization, grouping him with Doyle in that category. He is not as close to St. Louis as others, but the arm has moved into the top tier.6. Jurrangelo Cijntje, RHP, Double-A — MLB Pipeline: No. 4 Cijntje slides slightly, but not dramatically. The 5.18 ERA and 1.44 WHIP at Double-A show the transition has not been clean, but 53 strikeouts in 41.2 innings keep the talent in plain sight. The upside remains significant, but the current performance pushes him behind the bats and Franklin for now.7. Leo Bernal, C, Triple-A — MLB Pipeline: No. 5 Bernal remains a valuable prospect because he is a young Triple-A catcher with switch-hitting ability and defensive value. His .248 average and .748 OPS are respectable, but Crooks has outperformed him offensively at the same level. Bernal stays high because catchers with this profile are hard to find, but he no longer leads the Triple-A catching group on this board.8. Brandon Clarke, LHP, Double-A — MLB Pipeline: No. 8 Clarke holds his spot because the scouting profile still matters. There is not enough current statistical evidence here to push him higher, but the arm talent remains one of the better long-term bets in the system. MLB Pipeline gives Clarke the best slider grade in the organization, which keeps him firmly in the Top 10 conversation. 60-Day DL9. Yhoiker Fajardo, RHP, High-A — MLB Pipeline: No. 12 Fajardo moves up because the strikeout total demands attention. Fifty-four strikeouts in 37.1 innings at High-A is a strong marker, and his 3.38 ERA gives the line enough balance to support the rise. The WHIP still needs to improve, but the bat-missing ability is real.10. Quinn Mathews, LHP, Triple-A — MLB Pipeline: No. 6 Mathews drops, but he does not fall out of the top 10. The 5.55 ERA and 1.63 WHIP at Triple-A are hard to dress up, and 30 walks in 35.2 innings are a concern. Still, the left-handed profile, previous track record and proximity to St. Louis keep him in a meaningful spot. This is a correction, not a write-off.11. Blaze Jordan, INF, Triple-A — MLB Pipeline: No. 25 Jordan is the loudest offensive riser outside the top 10. A .326 average, .385 on-base percentage, .562 slugging percentage and .947 OPS at Triple-A demands a major jump. The defensive/positional profile keeps him from pushing even higher, but the bat has been too strong to leave buried in the back third of the list.12. Tai Peete, OF, High-A — MLB Pipeline: No. 17 Peete’s athleticism has started to show up in production. A .272 average, .878 OPS, five home runs and 24 RBIs at High-A gives him upward momentum. The strikeout rate remains something to watch, but the tools and performance now belong in the upper half of the system.13. Tekoah Roby, RHP, Triple-A — MLB Pipeline: No. 9 Roby stays in the middle of the board because the arm still carries prospect weight. The absence of a current stat line in this snapshot prevents a move upward, but the previous scouting value is still enough to keep him in the Top 15. This ranking reflects upside, not current momentum. 60-Day DL14. Brycen Mautz, LHP, Triple-A — MLB Pipeline: No. 20 Mautz moves up because he is getting outs near the majors. His 3.12 ERA across 43.1 innings keeps him firmly in the conversation, though the 1.41 WHIP shows he has had to pitch through traffic. Left-handed arms with Triple-A success deserve attention.15. Jack Gurevitch, INF, High-A — MLB Pipeline: No. 28 Gurevitch has earned one of the bigger jumps on the board. A .289 average, .389 on-base percentage, .547 slugging percentage, .936 OPS, 10 home runs and 35 RBIs is real production. The next test is whether it holds as he climbs, but his May résumé says he belongs in the Top 15.16. Cade Crossland, LHP, Single-A — MLB Pipeline: No. 23 Crossland moves up because the strikeouts are difficult to ignore. MLB Pipeline’s stat table has him at 50 strikeouts in 36.1 innings with a 1.40 WHIP, the bat-missing ability is the story. The ERA needs to come down, but the arm is trending up.17. Ryan Mitchell, OF, Single-A — MLB Pipeline: No. 11 Mitchell slides some because the production has not caught up with the projection. He owns a .205 average and .700 OPS, but the .378 on-base percentage and 40 walks show there is still a foundation. The age and tools keep him in the Top 20, but this is more future value than current performance.18. Mason Molina, LHP, Double-A — MLB Pipeline: No. 29 Molina has pitched his way up the board. A 3.18 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 51 strikeouts in 39.2 innings at Double-A is one of the steadier pitching lines in the system. He may not have the loudest name, but the results are too strong to leave him near the bottom.19. Jesus Baez, INF, High-A — MLB Pipeline: No. 19 Baez holds close to his MLB Pipeline spot because the power remains his carrying tool. Nine home runs and 25 RBIs at High-A give him a real offensive path, even with a .231 average and .710 OPS. The ranking reflects a bat with impact potential, but still some offensive polish needed.20. Chen-Wei Lin, RHP, Double-A — MLB Pipeline: No. 24 Lin remains in the Top 20 because strikeouts at Double-A matter. He has 46 strikeouts in 35.1 innings, but the 4.58 ERA and 1.50 WHIP explain why he does not climb higher. The stuff is interesting. The command and consistency still have to follow.21. Yairo Padilla, INF, Single-A — MLB Pipeline: No. 15 Padilla falls in this version because there is not enough current production in this snapshot to justify a higher ranking. The tools and projection still matter, and MLB Pipeline still values him higher than this board does. For now, this is a conservative placement until the performance case becomes clearer.22. Cooper Hjerpe, LHP, Double-A — MLB Pipeline: No. 16 Hjerpe remains on the board because previous prospect value and left-handed deception still carry weight. Without a current statistical case here, he cannot be pushed up, but there is enough background to keep him inside the Top 25. Health, innings and command will decide whether he rebounds. 60-Day DL23. Ixan Henderson, LHP, Triple-A — MLB Pipeline: No. 13 Henderson falls in this reset mostly because others have created stronger current cases. Triple-A proximity matters, especially from the left side, but the lack of a fresh stat line in this working table keeps him from holding his MLB Pipeline spot. This is not a dismissal, but it is a performance-board adjustment. 60-Day DL24. Tink Hence, RHP, Triple-A — MLB Pipeline: No. 14 Hence is the hardest ranking on the board. The name and arm still suggest more than this slot, but an 8.64 ERA, 2.28 WHIP and only 8.1 innings leave little room for optimism in a June reset. He stays ranked because the talent has not vanished, but he has to earn his way back up. 60-Day DL25. Luis Gastelum, RHP, Triple-A — MLB Pipeline: No. 21 Gastelum remains in the back third because he has proximity and usable Triple-A results. A 4.07 ERA and 1.32 WHIP are serviceable, though the strikeout total does not push him higher. He looks more like a steady depth arm than a fast riser right now.26. Braden Davis, LHP, Double-A — MLB Pipeline: No. 26 Davis lands exactly where MLB Pipeline has him, and that feels about right. The 46 strikeouts in 37 innings keep him relevant, but a 6.08 ERA and 1.54 WHIP drag down the overall line. The arm is still worth following, but the results need to tighten.27. Hancel Rincon, RHP, Triple-A — MLB Pipeline: No. 27 Rincon also matches his MLB Pipeline slot. The Triple-A assignment helps his standing, but a 5.60 ERA and 1.61 WHIP keep him in the back portion of the rankings. This is a depth-and-proximity ranking more than a breakout endorsement.28. Emanuel Luna, OF — MLB Pipeline: No. 18 Luna slides because there is not enough current evidence in this snapshot to hold him near the middle of the list. The prior prospect interest keeps him ranked, but players producing in full-season ball have moved past him for now. He is a hold, not a riser.29. Deniel Ortiz, INF, Double-A — MLB Pipeline: No. 22 Ortiz barely holds a spot in this version. With only five at-bats and no offensive production listed, there is no performance case for a higher ranking. He remains on the board because of previous value, but he is clearly on the edge of the Top 30.30. Nate Dohm, RHP, High-A — MLB Pipeline: No. 30 Dohm holds the final spot, but only by a thread. The 23 strikeouts in 20 innings show there is still something in the arm, but a 13.05 ERA and 2.15 WHIP are impossible to overlook. If this board were extended to 35 names, he would be in danger of slipping into the watch-list group.The takeaway is simple: the Cardinals’ system is not standing still.Rodriguez has done enough to become the top prospect on this board. Báez and Crooks have made Triple-A production impossible to ignore. Franklin has gone from interesting arm to top-five prospect. Jordan, Gurevitch, Molina, Fajardo, Crossland and Mautz have all improved their cases.At the same time, several familiar names are being asked to answer the same old question: can the tools become production?That is what a living prospect board should do. It should honor the scouting, but it should not be handcuffed to March. By June, performance has a vote. Editor’s notes: These rankings are based on a working June reset by The Cardinal Chronicle, using production, level, age, position value, proximity, scouting background and current momentum. Statistics are through May 28, 2026. MLB Pipeline rankings are included in parentheses for comparison.The players on this list are currently tagged as 60-Day DL. At this point, they are being ranked more on long-term prospect value than 2026 performance, and there is no expectation here that they will return to meaningful competition this season. Their placement reflects previous scouting history, organizational value and future upside rather than current availability. I don't most of them to&nbsp; play again this season. The Cardinal Chronicle, in association with Gateway Sports Preserving the Past, Promoting the Present, and Projecting the Future.Check out The Cardinal Chronicle for more Cardinals coverage, daily farm reports, game recaps and old-school baseball commentary: <a data-mce-href="http://www.cardinalchronicle.com" href="http://www.cardinalchronicle.com" title="www.cardinalchronicle.com&nbsp;">www.cardinalchronicle.com&nbsp;</a>

The Cardinals Top Prospect Rankings: Rainel Rodriguez at No. 1

The Cardinal Chronicle Cardinals Come Up Short as Cubs Even Series at Busch in an Ugly Loss St. Louis, MO By Ray MileurST. LOUIS — One night after the Cardinals found a spark, the Cubs answered back.Chicago evened the weekend series Saturday night at Busch Stadium, beating St. Louis 6-1 behind a strong start from right-hander Ben Brown and a steady offensive night led by Pete Crow-Armstrong, Michael Busch and Nico Hoerner.The Cardinals were looking to build on Friday night’s 6-5 win, but the offense never found the same rhythm. After hitting three home runs in the series opener, St. Louis managed just one run Saturday and could not string together enough quality at-bats to pressure Brown.Kyle Leahy gave the Cardinals a fighting chance early. He worked out of trouble in the fourth inning, escaping a bases-loaded jam to keep the game scoreless. That gave St. Louis a chance to strike first, and the Cardinals did just that in the bottom half of the inning.JJ Wetherholt singled and moved into scoring position, and Alec Burleson followed with an RBI single to right field, giving St. Louis a 1-0 lead. It was a good, clean piece of hitting and the kind of situational swing the Cardinals needed against Brown.But the lead did not last.The Cubs tied the game in the fifth when Pete Crow-Armstrong doubled and Michael Busch singled him home. Leahy exited after 4.1 innings, allowing one run while keeping the Cardinals within reach.The sixth inning became the turning point.Chicago took advantage of a throwing error by Ryan Fernandez, a walk, a hit batter and then the key swings that followed. Nico Hoerner singled to put the Cubs ahead, and Busch added a sacrifice fly to stretch the lead to 3-1. It was not a clean inning, and against a division opponent, that kind of baseball usually gets expensive.The Cubs added another run in the eighth when Crow-Armstrong homered off Gordon Graceffo, his seventh of the season, pushing the lead to 4-1. Chicago then added two more in the ninth, with Crow-Armstrong driving in another run as the Cubs finished off the 6-1 win.Brown was the story for Chicago. He allowed only one run over seven innings, holding the Cardinals to three hits while striking out six. St. Louis had a chance in the sixth when Victor Scott II walked and Wetherholt singled, but Iván Herrera grounded into a double play to end the threat.Wetherholt had two of the Cardinals’ three hits and scored their only run. Burleson drove him in. Beyond that, the Cardinals’ lineup was quiet.The loss dropped St. Louis back into a split through the first two games of the series. The Cardinals entered Saturday night in second place in the National League Central after Friday’s win had moved them ahead of Chicago in the standings. They also came in with a 20-10 record in night games, one of the best marks in baseball, but the Cubs controlled this one once the game moved into the middle innings.Before the game, the Cardinals’ notes also pointed to Lars Nootbaar’s continued progress on his rehab assignment. Nootbaar played all nine innings in left field Friday night for Double-A Springfield, going 0-for-2 with two walks. Through eight rehab games between Springfield, Memphis and Palm Beach, he is batting .286 with two home runs, four RBIs, four walks and a 1.019 OPS.That is still good news for a Cardinals lineup that could use another left-handed bat. But Saturday night was a reminder that one roster boost alone does not fix everything.The Cardinals got a competitive start from Leahy, a strong night from Wetherholt, and an early lead. They just did not get enough offense after that.Against the Cubs, especially at Busch Stadium, that stings a little more.Final Score Chicago Cubs 6 St. Louis Cardinals 1 The Cardinal Chronicle, in association with Gateway Sports Preserving the Past, Promoting the Present, and Projecting the Future.Check out The Cardinal Chronicle for more St. Louis Cardinals coverage, daily farm reports, prospect updates and old-school baseball commentary: <a data-mce-href="http://www.cardinalchronicle.com" href="http://www.cardinalchronicle.com" title="www.cardinalchronicle.com">www.cardinalchronicle.com</a> Photo Credit: MLB.com

Cards Come Up Short as Cubs Even Series at Busch in an Ugly Loss

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The St. Louis Cardinal Chronicle is dedicated to preserving Cardinals history, covering today’s game, and following the next generation through the minor leagues. Written in the tradition of the old beat writers, it’s baseball with perspective — steady, faithful, and rooted in a lifelong love for the game.

The St. Louis Cardinal Chronicle, Ray Mileur

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