Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Cardinals Name Jace Crooks Starting Catcher After Hot Season

5/30/2026

50 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Crooks Becomes Starter

On May 29, 2026, Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol announced catcher Jace Crooks will take over as the team's primary catcher from Pedro Pages.
Crooks earned the role after posting a .262/.412/.567 slash line with 13 home runs for Memphis this season.
Ivan Herrera will stay the personal catcher for pitchers Michael McGreevy and Andre Pallante.
Crooks did not play Friday against the Chicago Cubs but is slated to start Saturday.

Summary

Cardinals Slip

The Cardinals have fallen to a tie for 27th, scoring 36 runs in the past 15 days.
Jimmy Crooks cut his Triple-A strikeout rate to 27.4 percent in the last 14 games, down from 38 percent.
The Cardinals optioned Yohel Pozo and promoted Nelson Velázquez, who hit seven homers and 22 RBIs in 40 Triple-A games.
Ivan Herrera is used as a designated hitter, posting a .264/.390/.423 line that blurs the catcher role.

1 of 2

Crooks Becomes Starter

On May 29, 2026, Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol announced catcher Jace Crooks will take over as the team's primary catcher from Pedro Pages.
Crooks earned the role after posting a .262/.412/.567 slash line with 13 home runs for Memphis this season.
Ivan Herrera will stay the personal catcher for pitchers Michael McGreevy and Andre Pallante.
Crooks did not play Friday against the Chicago Cubs but is slated to start Saturday.

1 / 2