Important Cardinals Hurler Reportedly Done For Season After Suffering Unfortunate Injury

The St. Louis Cardinals likely will be without the services of one of their most important bullpen pieces for the rest of the season.

St. Louis got some bad news Monday as right-handed relief pitcher Giovanny Gallegos reportedly was placed on the injured list with a rotator cuff injury, according to The Athletic's Katie Woo. 

"Cardinals are placing Giovanny Gallegos on the IL with a rotator cuff injury, effectively ending his season," Woo said. "Disappointing year for a guy who had turned into one of the bullpen’s most dependable arms over the last three seasons."

Gallegos has been one of the Cardinals' most solid bullpen pieces since joining the club in 2018. The righty began his big league career as a member of the New York Yankees in 2017 but was traded to St. Louis in 2018 in a package surrounded around slugger Luke Voit. Gallegos had a down year in 2023 but still is one of the Cardinals' most important bullpen arms. The righty dealt with injuries and inconsistent play -- like much of the club -- this season and compiled a 4.42 ERA across 56 appearances. 

St. Louis only has 13 games left again this season so there isn't much time left for the righty to make his way back to the field. While the team hasn't officially announced that Gallegos is done for the season, it's certainly significantly more likely than not. Gallegos has compiled a 3.13 ERA in six seasons with the Cardinals and will need to return to form in 2024. St. Louis likely will be extremely busy this offseason but Gallegos still likely will play a major role next season.