St. Louis Cardinals Once Again Outright Former Braves Top Prospect Jared Shuster to Triple-A

ATLANTA, GA – JUNE 10: Jared Shuster #45 of the Atlanta Braves before a game against the Washington Nationals at Truist Park on June 10, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Brett Davis/Getty Images)

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The St. Louis Cardinals have maintained a flexible approach to their roster this season, necessitating frequent adjustments within their bullpen to keep the team’s ERA at a steady 4.26. However, these roster maneuvers have created a challenging cycle for former Atlanta Braves standout prospect Jared Shuster.

St. Louis Cardinals Outright Former First-Rounder for Third Time This Season

Jared Shuster, now in his third organization across four major league seasons, was recently designated for assignment for the third time this year. Originally selected in the first round of the 2020 MLB Draft by the Braves, Shuster debuted three years later, posting a 5.81 ERA over 11 starts. Following a stint with the Chicago White Sox, he has transitioned into a dedicated relief role.

According to the official transaction log, the Cardinals have outrighted Shuster to the Memphis Redbirds. His current season in Triple-A has been difficult, as he holds an 8.87 ERA over approximately 27 innings.

This move highlights a recurring frustration for the 27-year-old. Shuster signed a minor league deal with St. Louis during the offseason and has been promoted to the big-league roster three times this year. However, because he is out of minor league options, the Cardinals have been forced to expose him to waivers each time they needed to clear a roster spot. Fortunately for Shuster, he cleared waivers during the first two instances.

Former Braves Phenom Battles to Maintain Big-League Presence

Shuster’s professional trajectory has shifted significantly since his time at Wake Forest University and his subsequent selection by the Braves. While he was once projected as a future rotation mainstay in Atlanta, he is now fighting to establish himself as a viable relief option.

Despite the volatility, Shuster remains within the Cardinals organization following his latest assignment to Memphis. While it is unclear if a fourth promotion is on the horizon, his repeated returns to the active roster indicate that St. Louis still values his left-handed depth as they continue to manage a crowded pitching staff.

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