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| Cardinals reliever Fernando Salas has returned after a short stint with Triple AAA Memphis throwing the ball well and has not allowed a run in his past three appearances. - Photo courtesy of Getty Images |
Unfortunately in 2012, Salas started the year poorly and was highly ineffective. Salas was so bad that new manager Mike Matheny virtually stopped using him and the club optioned him to Triple AAA Memphis in late May.
Some wondered if Salas may be fatigued after such a large workload in 2011. Only Jason Motte appeared in more games in 2011 and some analysts saw signs that Salas had lost some life on his fastball and command of his wicked change-up. Opponents are hitting .316 off of him this season while Salas was dominant last season, allowing opponents to hit just .186 in 2011.
While in Memphis though, Salas disclosed that he was struggling with a kidney stone that he eventually passed. The stone may have been the cause of his struggles, but Salas did not pitch particularly well for Memphis after passing the stone either. But out of necessity, Salas was brought back to St. Louis when Jaime Garcia went on the disabled week last week and in three appearances since, has been much more like the Salas of 2011.
Salas has appeared in three games since being recalled and has yet to give up a run in three innings, including a scoreless frame in the Cardinals 6-1 loss to the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday night.
The fact that Salas has returned to St. Louis throwing the ball relatively well is big news for the Cardinals, as the bullpen gave up four eighth inning runs on Tuesday. The Cardinals need depth in the bullpen and need people to step up and establish roles in order to get things together and resemble what ended up being a strength of the 2011 team.
Salas must continue to pitch well if the Cardinals are going to get back to their winning ways. It would be nice if Matheny had somebody to turn to in the eighth inning on a consistent basis as that option just has not been available as nearly everyone in the bullpen has struggled at one point or another this season.
Salas was solid throughout 2011 and in a way may have helped save the Cardinals season in June, allowing them to make their miraculous September comeback and post-season run. The 2012 Cardinals need the same, solid Salas back if they hope to make another run.
If his recent success since coming back from Memphis is any indication, Salas may be on his way to regaining his 2011 form. If so, it is just one of many small steps the Cardinals must make if they hope to keep pace with the Cincinnati Reds in the National League Central Division race.
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