Giovanny

Gallegos

Gallegos heads to Minnesota as extra organizational relief depth after going unclaimed on waivers after being designated for assignment last week by the Cardinals. The 32-year-old former high-leverage specialist struggled this season to a bloated 6.53 ERA, 1.65 WHIP and 21/10 K/BB ratio across 20 2/3 innings (21 appearances) this season. He’s made 311 relief appearances in the big leagues dating back to 2017.

Gallegos went unclaimed on waivers after being designated for assignment by the Cardinals and has now elected free agency. He had a 6.53 ERA in 21 games with St. Louis this year. He’s free to sign with any team at this point.

Gallegos has been a constant for the St. Louis bullpen since being acquired from the Yankees in 2018, but the 32-year-old right-hander has dealt with injuries in 2024 and also hasn’t been effective on the mound when healthy. The right-hander is removed from the 40-man and active roster to make room for Kyle Leahy. It wouldn’t be a surprise at all if a team gave Gallegos a chance via waiver claim or trade.

Gallegos has been out since early May with shoulder trouble. He’s been a steady reliever for St. Louis over the last few seasons and sometimes even an option for saves. Gallegos has recorded at least 10 saves in each of the last three years, though that’s unlikely to continue this season. He has a 12.00 ERA and SO:BB of 13:7 in 13 appearances with the Cardinals this year.

Gallegos has made a handful of minor league rehab appearances over the last few weeks and appears ready to rejoin the Cardinals’ bullpen mix at some point this week. He’s been on the shelf since early May recovering from a right shoulder impingement.

Gallegos has been out since early May due to a right shoulder impingement, but appears to be getting close to returning to St. Louis. The 32-year-old veteran reliever struggled in 13 appearances to open the season and can be safely ignored in all fantasy formats.

Probably in part because of his early struggles, the Cardinals have gone a little more slowly with Gallegos than they might have a couple of years ago. It could be a quick rehab assignment if he looks strong right away, but given that he had a 12.00 ERA in 13 appearances before going down, a lengthier minor league stint might be deemed necessary.

Gallegos has already thrown off the bullpen mound twice. He could return from a shoulder impingement next week.

Gallegos failed to record an out while surrendering three earned runs on three hits in his last appearance, and it appears the shoulder played a factor in that struggle. He’ll miss the next two weeks at least, but it could be a longer stay based on what usually happens with shoulder injuries. Chris Raycroft is up to take Gallegos’ place on the roster.

Helsley topped out at 100.6 mph tonight, though his 97.9 mph average with his fastball was down 1.8 mph from last year. Helsley also pitched Monday, so he’ll almost certainly get Wednesday off after this. That could put Giovanny Gallegos in line for a save chance. All things being equal, we’d say Andrew Kittredge is ahead of Gallegos on the closer depth chart right now, but he’s also likely due a day off after working three of the last four days.