The Cardinals announced that catcher Austin Romine has been signed to a minor league contract, and assigned to Triple-A Memphis. Romine opted out of his previous minors deal with the Angels earlier this month.
With Yadier Molina sidelined due to knee soreness, the Cardinals were in need of some veteran catching depth, given the inexperience of both Andrew Knizner and Ivan Herrera. Romine will essentially take the place of Ali Sanchez, who had been playing for Triple-A Memphis, but the Cards designated him for assignment two days ago.
After signing with the Angels in March, Romine appeared in three MLB games with the team, briefly filling in when both Max Stassi and Kurt Suzuki were on the COVID list. Romine was optioned back to Triple-A, and then had the right to exercise an opt-out clause in his contract on June 1 if the Angels hadn’t recalled him back to the majors.
A veteran of 11 MLB seasons, Romine has mostly worked in part-time or backup roles, appearing in 436 games and hitting .238/.276/.357 over 1322 career plate appearances. The 33-year-old might not be long for the Cardinals organization depending on how quickly Molina is able to return to action, but since Molina might not be back before the All-Star break, Romine will get an opportunity to work at Triple-A and perhaps get another shot on the active roster.
Francys01
Welcome to the Cardinals organization.
costergaard2
I like Romine, he’s a class guy, he’ll fit in well with the Cardinal Way…
JimmyForum
He’ll make cardinal fans forget who Molina even was just like cardinal fans forget their dogs in hot cars
waterdog311
Troll on Jimmy. Scream upstairs for me and tell your mom she should have made better life choices 8 months prior to previous Jimmy’s birthday.
themed
Yadi will be a first ballot Hall of Famer just for you jealous donks to get use to it.
tazman4878
Get on another forum Jimmy. You obviously no nothing about st. louis, or anything else!
JimmyForum
I know everything there is to know about St Louis and everything there is to know about baseball. When a news organization needs an expert to interview, they call Jimmy Forum™️
Samer
Sounds like # scout’s eyes
Toronto Blue Jays’ fans will know what I’m talking about.
notnamed
obviously no? know^
Old York
Good signing. I always like Austin Romine.
Bob Ivy Jr
I like this signing. Welcome to the Cardinals organization. He will be a good leader behind the plate.
Devlsh
I think this indicates some concern on the team’s part as to when Molina will be able to return. I hope not, but that’s how I read this.
Putmeincoach12
This is to cover minor league duties I hope. The Cards #4 prospect Ivan Herrera was called up. He should have been rotating with Knizner and Molina anyway. I hope he plays and hits well so he can be our future catcher. He is good.
cards667
I think it indicates Sanchez has been claimed by someone and they need AAA catching and MLB depth. Herrera is up now, they promoted Pedro Pages from AA to AAA and was hitting pretty well in AA. But the only other C in AAA right now is Clint Coulter who doesn’t even catch a whole lot, 7 games this season, and was signed out of independent ball last season and hitting .170 right now.
Bob Ivy Jr
Ali Sanchez has been claimed by te Detroit Tigers. This move fills that position.
costergaard2
Yadi… 1st ballot HoF. That being said, he is old for a baseball player and ancient for a catcher. It’s amazing he even held on this long. It will be nice to see him and Pujols go out together…
Holy Cow!
If Big Papi can get in first ballot, there’s hope for Yadi, but I’d bet against it.
Mo gave him 80 million reasons to hang on.
stan lee the manly
He’s on a one year, $9 mil deal this year
Samer
Former Yankees’ fan favorite.
costergaard2
Still a fan favorite…
Samer
Don’t get me started! Epitome of a “gritty” player.
I remember when he held his own stood face-to-face with Miguel Cabrera. Good times!
17dizzy
Why???