The St. Louis Cardinals made a roster move on Tuesday, recalling reliever Matt Svanson from Triple-A Memphis and optioning Roddery Muñoz to Memphis. Muñoz, who was called up recently, struggled with a 3-run, 2 2/3 inning performance over three appearances.
Svanson, a 2024 Texas League All-Star, has been outstanding in Triple-A this season with a 1.59 ERA through four relief outings. Acquired by the Cardinals in 2023 as part of the Paul DeJong trade with the Toronto Blue Jays, Svanson had an impressive 2024 season with Double-A Springfield, finishing as the team’s closer with a perfect 27-save record in 27 opportunities. He allowed only 19 earned runs over 63 2/3 innings, earning a 2.69 ERA. Svanson has earned two consecutive All-Star selections and has posted a career 2.98 ERA over 220 2/3 innings in four-plus minor-league seasons.
As the sole player the Cardinals received in return for DeJong, Svanson’s MLB debut will be the first opportunity for fans to see a tangible result of that trade. Since leaving St. Louis, DeJong has played for several teams, including the Blue Jays, Giants, White Sox, Royals, and now the Nationals, while Svanson has dominated in the minors.
Svanson found out about his call-up during the eighth inning of a recent Memphis game and will have four family members at his potential MLB debut. He was added to the 40-man roster this offseason, making him a natural choice for the Cardinals’ bullpen need.
