A.J. Pierzynski added to NLCS roster for St. Louis Cardinals

A.J. Pierzynski was added to the NLCS roster for the St. Louis Cardinals as they prepare to start their series against the San Francisco Giants on Saturday night.

If you notice that the San Francisco Giants look mad or that they are yelling at somebody in the St. Louis Cardinals’ dugout, you will know why.

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Veteran catcher and pot-stirrer A.J. Pierzynski was added to the Cardinals’ roster for the NLCS. He will take the place of left-handed relief pitcher Sam Freeman. According to Rick Hummel of the St. Louis Post Dispatch:

"Catcher A.J. Pierzynski, who sat out the division series with the Los Angeles Dodgers, has been added to the Cardinals’ 25-man postseason roster and lefthander Sam Freeman, who walked the only two men he faced in Game 1 of the division series, has been removed."

That leaves the Cardinals with only 11 pitchers instead of 12. That seems like a surprise at first, but manager Mike Matheny plans to have four starters available and keep a seven-man bullpen. According to Hummel:

"Matheny explained that the bullpen still would have the same number of relievers (seven) as would be customary. But there are only four starting pitchers now, rather than five, and there are two off days built into the best-of-seven series, plus the three the Cardinals have had between series."

Part of that plan might normally ride on the plan to use ace Adam Wainwright on short rest, but that may or may not be an option as Wainwright battles some elbow troubles. The Cardinals should be able to use the extra rest to make things work in the rotation, but they will likely need to ride all four starters rather than jumping Wainwright up on short rest.

As for the bullpen, never fear: Matheny will have the option to channel Tony La Russa and pitching change to his heart’s content. I know you were worried. Between him and Bruce Bochy, the appropriate highlight montage for this series might be the managers walking to the mound.

The Cardinals will carry three catchers: Yadier Molina, Tony Cruz, and Pierzynski. It stands to reason that Pierzynski will be used as a left-handed bat off the bench or the guy available as an emergency catcher, depending on the situation.