Cardinals Reinstate Stanek, Option Graceffo as May Recovers

The St. Louis Cardinals reinstated Ryne Stanek from the paternity list on Friday and optioned Gordon Graceffo to Triple-A Memphis. The moves came before a 17–1 win over the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field and follow a right-ankle contusion to starter Dustin May in the prior night’s 11–5 win over the Atlanta Braves.

KRCG - Jefferson City

May missed a rotation spot after back tightness followed a mid-June complete-game shutout. In Thursday’s start, Dominic Smith’s line drive struck May’s ankle, causing a three-run double; May recorded two outs before exiting, allowing five runs. Relievers Bruihl, Fernandez, and Graceffo helped secure an 11–5 win with a seven-run seventh. Stanek is 2-1 with one save and a 5.12 ERA in 31 2/3 innings over 35 games. Graceffo is 6-1 with a 3.35 ERA in 40 1/3 innings across 35 appearances.

KRCG - Jefferson City

Early June – May records a complete-game shutout, then back tightness. Thursday – May starts vs. Braves, ankle contusion from Smith’s line drive; Cardinals win 11–5. Friday – Stanek reinstated, Graceffo optioned; Cardinals beat Cubs 17–1. Saturday – May slated for side-session.

ESPN

Manager Oliver Marmol said May will attend a side-session workout on Saturday and that “all the tests he ran feeling pretty good.” He noted the line drive “hit him, and he's dealing with that now,” and said Thursday’s bullpen usage “kept the Cardinals from using Max Rajcic, who could be available to cover multiple innings if needed on Friday.”

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

One source reported “no immediate word on Friday if May might be sidelined,” while another quoted Marmol confirming a Saturday side-session, showing differing early reports on May’s status. No further return details were given.

ESPN

“We'll see what that looks like,” Marmol said, “but he came out of today and all the tests he ran feeling pretty good about it.” — Oliver Marmol, Manager, Cardinals

ESPN

“My hope would have been that ball gets through, and it's right at (shortstop) Masyn (Winn), it's a double play and he gets to come into the dugout, settle in, and keep going. But unfortunately, it hits him, and he's dealing with that now,” — Oliver Marmol, Manager, Cardinals

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Reinstating Stanek adds an arm to a bullpen strained by May’s injury and issues. Optioning Graceffo frees a roster spot while preserving depth at Triple-A Memphis. The adjustments will affect Cardinals’ rotation and relief options for Wrigley series.

ESPN

The Cardinals open the next series at Wrigley Field on Friday. May’s ankle will be evaluated in Saturday’s side session, and Max Rajcic remains a potential multi-inning option.

ESPN