Injuries are an unfortunate but familiar storyline as teams ramp up for spring training, and for the St. Louis Cardinals, that storyline has already taken an uncomfortable turn. Just as preparations for the new season begin to intensify, the club has been hit with a string of pitching setbacks—some involving promising minor leaguers and others affecting arms expected to play meaningful roles at the major league level. Most notably, a leading contender for the closer’s job has been sidelined, creating both short-term complications and longer-term questions for the organization.
The Cardinals first revealed that minor league pitchers Ixan Henderson and Brandon Clarke would miss time due to injuries. Henderson is dealing with a flexor strain, while Clarke has been diagnosed with a shoulder aneurysm. Though neither was projected to open the season in the major league bullpen, both are considered valuable pieces of the organization’s pitching depth. Losing them, even temporarily, thins the pipeline and reduces flexibility should additional issues arise at the big-league level.
However, the more pressing concern involves right-hander Riley O’Brien, who had emerged as a top candidate to handle ninth-inning duties in 2026. O’Brien suffered a calf strain during a live bullpen session on February 14. While the injury is not expected to sideline him for an extended stretch, it comes at a particularly inopportune time. Even a relatively minor setback in February can disrupt conditioning, delay preparation, and alter the trajectory of a player’s spring.
Beyond its impact on the Cardinals, the injury also carries personal disappointment for O’Brien. He had been slated to pitch for Team Korea in the World Baseball Classic, an opportunity that meant a great deal to him. According to O’Brien, his family had already arranged to travel and watch him serve as the team’s closer. The chance to represent on an international stage, especially in a high-profile tournament like the World Baseball Classic, is something many players cherish. Missing out on that experience adds an emotional layer to what might otherwise be considered a routine spring setback.
From a competitive standpoint, the bigger issue is how this affects O’Brien’s standing within the Cardinals’ bullpen hierarchy. The 2025 season marked his first extended run in the majors, and he capitalized on it impressively. Across 48 innings, he posted a 2.06 ERA and recorded six saves, demonstrating both reliability and the ability to handle high-leverage situations. His performance positioned him as the apparent frontrunner to take over full-time closing responsibilities in 2026.
Spring training often serves as a proving ground, even for players who appear to have secured roles. Managers and front offices value consistency, readiness, and durability, especially in the bullpen, where workloads can fluctuate quickly. If O’Brien’s calf strain limits his participation during spring games or slows his ramp-up process, the Cardinals may hesitate to entrust him with the closer role immediately. Instead, they could opt for a more cautious approach, allowing him to regain full strength before reintroducing him to ninth-inning duties.
Should O’Brien fall behind schedule, other relievers will have a chance to stake their claim. One logical candidate is left-hander JoJo Romero. Many observers speculated during the offseason that Romero might be traded, but he ultimately remained with the club. In 2025, Romero delivered a strong campaign, finishing with a 2.07 ERA and collecting eight saves. While left-handed closers are less common—largely because they are often deployed strategically against tough left-handed hitters in earlier innings—Romero’s effectiveness could make him a temporary or even semi-permanent solution.
Using Romero in the ninth inning would require some strategic adjustments. Left-handed relievers are often called upon to neutralize specific matchups in the seventh or eighth innings, particularly against lineups stacked with lefty power. If the Cardinals designate him as their closer, they would need to ensure they have sufficient depth to handle those earlier high-leverage scenarios. Nevertheless, performance often dictates opportunity, and Romero’s numbers suggest he could handle the pressure.
Another intriguing option is Matt Svanson. At 27 years old, Svanson represents a more traditional right-handed closing profile. He concluded his rookie season with an impressive 1.94 ERA and struck out 68 batters in 60.1 innings, showcasing both swing-and-miss stuff and durability. Unlike O’Brien, who is 31, Svanson could fit more neatly into the Cardinals’ long-term plans. If he were to seize the closer role during O’Brien’s absence, he might not relinquish it easily.
Age and organizational direction also factor into the broader picture. O’Brien, while effective, is not considered a foundational piece of a long-term rebuild. The Cardinals are in a transitional phase and could look to reshape their roster further by the trade deadline. Both O’Brien and Romero might attract interest from contending teams seeking bullpen reinforcements. Relievers with closing experience and strong ERAs often become valuable trade commodities in July.
However, injuries complicate trade calculus. Even a relatively minor strain can raise concerns among potential suitors. If O’Brien were to experience lingering issues or miss significant time, his trade value could decline substantially. Teams are wary of acquiring pitchers with recent health questions, particularly those whose effectiveness relies heavily on explosiveness and lower-body stability—traits directly impacted by a calf injury.
It is also worth noting that the Cardinals may not generate an abundance of save opportunities in 2026 if they remain in rebuilding mode. Limited late-game leads can reduce the statistical shine on a closer’s résumé, which in turn can affect trade value. In that context, every inning matters. O’Brien’s ability to get off to a strong start could influence both his individual trajectory and the team’s strategic flexibility at midseason.
Ultimately, the hope within the organization is that O’Brien’s calf strain proves to be nothing more than a brief interruption. If he can participate in most of spring training and enter the season fully prepared, the Cardinals would likely feel comfortable handing him the ball in the ninth inning on Opening Day. Stability at the back end of the bullpen can provide structure for the rest of the pitching staff and offer a sense of continuity amid broader roster changes.
For now, though, the injury injects uncertainty into a role that once seemed relatively settled. The coming weeks will determine whether O’Brien can quickly reclaim his projected position or whether another reliever will capitalize on the opportunity. In a season that already figures to be one of adjustment and evaluation for St. Louis, even a modest spring setback carries meaningful implications for both the present and the future.
