In a move aimed at bolstering their pitching depth for the heart of the 2025 MLB season, the St. Louis Cardinals have officially announced the promotion of right-handed pitcher Andre Granillo to the Major League roster. To make room on the 40-man roster, the team has designated veteran reliever Nick Robertson for assignment.
The announcement was made early Tuesday by Cardinals President of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak, signaling the organization’s commitment to addressing its bullpen challenges after a series of inconsistent outings by the relief corps in recent weeks.
Granillo, 25, has been one of the hottest arms in the Cardinals’ Triple-A Memphis affiliate this season, posting an impressive 1.89 ERA with 42 strikeouts over 33 innings pitched. Known for his sharp slider and a fastball that tops out in the high 90s, Granillo has quickly risen through the system and was widely considered one of the organization’s top bullpen prospects.
“We believe Andre is ready to contribute at the Major League level,” Mozeliak said. “He’s shown great poise, swing-and-miss stuff, and the ability to handle high-leverage situations. This is an exciting moment for him and for us as a club.”
In a corresponding move, the Cardinals designated right-handed veteran Nick Robertson for assignment. Robertson, 29, struggled to find consistency this season, compiling a 5.73 ERA across 22 appearances. While the Cardinals valued his experience, the front office felt the need to inject fresh energy into the bullpen to keep pace in the competitive National League Central race.
“This is a tough part of the business,” Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol stated when addressing Robertson’s DFA. “Nick is a professional and has been a great teammate, but at this stage, we felt the need to go with a younger arm showing real dominance in the minors.”
The Cardinals’ bullpen has faced scrutiny over the past month, with blown saves and late-inning collapses costing the team key victories. The arrival of Granillo is expected to provide a much-needed boost, particularly in the late innings where setup and middle-relief roles have been unstable.
Granillo could see action immediately as the Cardinals open their next series against the Milwaukee Brewers — a crucial matchup that could have early playoff implications.
For now, the team and fans alike are eager to see whether the young right-hander can translate his minor league dominance into big-league success and help solidify a bullpen in need of stability.
