Central STL News

Not long after hitting a 443-foot home run and contributing to the Cardinals' victory over the Rockies, first baseman Willson Contreras shared his thoughts on rookie right-hander Michael McGreevy. Contreras believes McGreevy deserves a permanent spot in the Cardinals' starting rotation following his performance of limiting the Rockies to seven hits and two earned runs over seven innings.

Contreras expressed little concern about the upcoming MLB Trade Deadline, where the Cardinals might trade key players, potentially ending their playoff hopes. He emphasized focusing on current games rather than speculating about trades.

“I’m not looking at the Trade Deadline, and I’m just focused on getting the team to focus on the small details, and whatever [president of baseball operations John Mozeliak] is going to do, he’s going to do,” Contreras said. “That [trade talk] is super noise. If he’s going to sell, he’s going to sell, and if he’s going to acquire, he’s going to acquire. The only thing we control is what we do in here inside [the clubhouse], going about our business on and off the field and the way we play the game.”

On Monday night, Contreras hit a home run off Austin Gomber's pitch in the fourth inning and later drove in Brendan Donovan with a single in the fifth inning. His performance was pivotal for St. Louis as they rallied from an early deficit.

“You’re coming off that weekend that didn’t feel very good, and then you’re down two, so to be able to punch back immediately was important to do it with the strong homer,” manager Oliver Marmol said regarding Contreras’ contribution.

McGreevy showed resilience after allowing some early runs by retiring 11 consecutive Rockies hitters from late in the third inning until early in the seventh inning.

Marmol stated before the game that McGreevy's outing wasn't just a temporary start. The 25-year-old has been called up multiple times this season for spot starts or relief appearances during doubleheaders. While there's a possibility McGreevy will remain with the team for this season as they manage workloads for other pitchers like Matthew Liberatore and Andre Pallante, McGreevy remains realistic about his situation.

“No, being completely honest, and whatever happens, happens,” McGreevy said of potentially getting to stick with the big league club. “I understand how this business works. I’ll always be stoked beyond my mind to pitch in the big leagues. But if I get to stay for the rest of the year [with the Cardinals], then great, and if I go down [to Triple-A] tomorrow, then oh well. … You just have to smile through it all.”

Contreras praised McGreevy's composure under pressure during challenging matchups against top teams since his MLB debut in 2024.

“I think he’s ready to stay here, straight up,” Contreras said of McGreevy. “I think you don’t need to go down -- that’s my take. And I’m going to say that he’s ready. He’s already shown a couple of times that every time he comes here, he’s coming to pitch.”