Cardinals get hopeful news for return of 2 key stars

The St. Louis Cardinals got some promising news in regards to pitcher Jack Flaherty and outfielder Tyler O’Neill.

The St. Louis Cardinals are 29-21 on the season as of June 2, and sit in second place in the NL Central. The team currently has starting pitcher Jack Flaherty and outfielder Tyler O’Neill sidelined due to injury. Well, the team received some hopeful news regarding both players.

According to Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, O’Neill is set to begin his rehab assignment on Friday, June 3 in Triple A where he will serve as the designated hitter. Meanwhile, Flaherty is expected to have a start in Double A to begin his rehab assignment.

Cardinals get hopeful news regarding Jack Flaherty, Tyler O’Neill

Getting Flaherty back in the rotation would be huge for the Cardinals. Flaherty has not pitched in a game this season, as he was sidelined due to a right shoulder injury. Recently, the 26-year-old pitcher had been throwing to live hitters.

Last year, Flaherty posted a 3.22 ERA, a 1.060 WHIP, 85 strikeouts and 26 walks through 78.1 innings (17 games, 15 starts).

As for O’Neill, he has struggled at the plate through the first 32 games of the season. O’Neill recorded a .195 batting average, a .552 OPS, two home runs, 20 RBI and 23 hits. He last played on May 17, where he suffered a right shoulder impingement.

Last season as a great one for O’Neill, as he was one of the Cardinals’ most productive bats in the lineup. He slashed .286/.352/.560 while recording 34 home runs, 80 RBI, 89 runs scored and 138 hits through 138 games.

Cardinals fans will no doubt keep their eyes peeled for additional updates on both Flaherty and O’Neill. Just know that both are expected to begin their rehab assignments soon.