Cards call up relief ace Granillo, outfielder Siani; Vilade designated

MILWAUKEE – With Jordan Walker just beginning a Minor League rehab assignment and likely still several days away from a return to the big leagues, the Cardinals shuffled their outfield mix on Thursday prior to their 6-0 loss in the opener of their four-game series against the rival Brewers at American Family Field.

On the heels of a three-game sweep at the hands of the Blue Jays, the Cardinals recalled defensive ace Michael Siani from Triple-A Memphis and designated Ryan Vilade for assignment.

The Cardinals also addressed their bullpen on Thursday by selecting right-hander Andre Granillo and adding him to the 40-man roster. Chris Roycroft, who was recalled last Sunday, was optioned back to Memphis.

Granillo, 25, excelled this season for Memphis, going 4-0 with a 1.82 ERA and a save in 18 games. More impressively, Granillo -- who allowed just two hits over 2 2/3 scoreless innings in his MLB debut on Thursday -- struck out 46 batters in 29 2/3 innings while holding foes to a .159 average.

Siani, who shined defensively in center field in 2024 for the Cardinals, made the Opening Day roster and appeared in 18 games early in the season, but he was used primarily as a pinch-runner and a defensive replacement and got just 16 at-bats. Sinai was sent to Triple-A Memphis when Victor Scott II grabbed control of the center field position, and he played well for the Redbirds. In 33 Triple-A games, Siani hit .263 with five homers, eight doubles and a triple, stealing eight bases in 10 tries.

Siani could see some starts in center field with Scott stuck in a prolonged slump, especially against left-handed pitching. Scott, who has stolen 18 bases in 19 tries this season, is just 3-for-24 (.125) in June on the heels of hitting .244 in May. Scott, a left-handed hitter, has hit just .180 with a .495 OPS in 61 at bats against left-handed pitchers this year.

With Walker out because of irritation in his left wrist, Vilade appeared in seven games, but he recorded just one hit in 13 at-bats and struck out five times.

Walker, 23, hasn’t played May 28 due to an injured left wrist. His return was delayed when his wrist didn’t initially respond to treatment plans, and he required an injection in the wrist and more time off to promote healing. He's scheduled to begin his rehab assignment with Triple-A Memphis Thursday night.

Given more consistent playing time this season, Walker has hit .215 with three homers, four doubles and 23 RBIs in 47 games with the Cardinals.