The St. Louis Cardinals made a series of changes throughout their minor league system on Sunday, including the release of one of their long-time pitching prospects. While most of the moves involved routine roster adjustments, one decision stood out: the organization officially parted ways with right-handed pitcher Edwin Núñez, ending a six-year journey that began when he first joined the Cardinals’ system.
The Cardinals announced multiple transactions across their minor league affiliates, creating movement throughout the organization. Along with releasing Núñez, St. Louis reinstated left-handed pitcher Jared Shuster from the Development List, promoted right-handed pitcher Nolan Sparks from High-A Peoria to Double-A Springfield, assigned right-hander Trey Pooser to Peoria following his acquisition from the Tampa Bay Rays, and moved pitching prospect Brandon Clarke to Palm Beach as he continues his minor league rehabilitation assignment.
The official announcement from the Cardinals detailed the roster changes:
“LHP Jared Shuster (AAA) has been reinstated from the Development List. RHP Nolan Sparks has been transferred from Peoria (A+) to Springfield (AA). RHP Trey Pooser has been assigned to Peoria. LHP Brandon Clarke’s (AA) rehab assignment has been transferred from the FCL to Palm Beach (A). RHP Edwin Núñez (AA) has been given his unconditional release.”
Although several players were affected by the moves, Núñez’s departure marked the end of a significant chapter for a pitcher who spent his entire professional career with the Cardinals organization.
Cardinals End Six-Year Run With Edwin Núñez
Núñez joined the Cardinals’ system in 2021 and began his professional career with the Class-A Palm Beach Cardinals. Over the next several seasons, the right-hander worked his way through different levels of the organization, including stops with the Florida Complex League Cardinals and Double-A Springfield.
Despite showing flashes of potential, Núñez was never able to advance beyond the Double-A level. His final season with Springfield ended with disappointing results, as he posted a 10.17 ERA across 24 appearances before the Cardinals decided to move in a different direction.
The right-hander’s best stretch came during the 2023 season when he appeared to take a major step forward. Across Class-A and High-A competition, Núñez recorded a 3.39 ERA in 41 outings, giving the organization hope that he could continue developing into a reliable bullpen option.
However, after that promising campaign, things became difficult for the hard-throwing pitcher. He struggled to maintain consistency, finishing each of the following seasons with an ERA above 7.00. Despite possessing one of the most exciting tools in his arsenal, Núñez was unable to find the control needed to succeed against higher-level competition.
Elite Velocity, But Command Issues Held Him Back
The biggest strength of Núñez’s game was never in question. The right-hander possessed an electric fastball that regularly reached the upper 90s and occasionally approached triple digits. His ability to generate elite velocity made him an intriguing prospect and gave him a chance to become a valuable bullpen piece.
However, throwing hard is only one part of succeeding at the professional level. Núñez struggled significantly with command, and his inability to consistently locate his pitches became the biggest obstacle in his development.
During the 2025 season, Núñez issued 25 walks in just 23 innings of work. The year before, he walked 53 hitters across 45 2/3 innings. Those numbers highlighted the biggest issue that prevented him from moving up the organizational ladder.
The Cardinals were willing to be patient with Núñez because of his powerful arm and strikeout potential, but the control problems ultimately became too difficult to overcome. While his fastball gave him an elite weapon, opposing hitters were often able to take advantage when he fell behind in counts or struggled to throw strikes.
His release represents another reminder of how difficult the path through professional baseball can be, even for pitchers with impressive physical tools.
Brandon Clarke’s Rehab Assignment Draws Attention
Among Sunday’s moves, the most intriguing development for Cardinals fans may have been the continued progress of pitching prospect Brandon Clarke.
Clarke, ranked as the organization’s No. 7 prospect, is currently working his way back through a minor league rehab assignment. The left-handed pitcher has made two appearances so far this season and immediately reminded everyone why he is considered one of the most exciting arms in the Cardinals’ system.
During his second outing of the season, Clarke’s fastball reached an eye-popping 103.1 mph, showcasing the rare velocity that has made him a highly regarded prospect.
The Cardinals have been carefully managing Clarke’s return, moving his rehab assignment from the Florida Complex League to Palm Beach. His progress will be closely monitored as the organization hopes he can return to Double-A Springfield and continue his development.
A healthy Clarke could become an important piece of the Cardinals’ future pitching plans. His combination of velocity and upside gives the organization a potential impact arm, and every successful rehab outing brings him closer to competing at a higher level.
Trey Pooser Becomes Another Name to Watch
Another player involved in Sunday’s transactions was right-handed pitcher Trey Pooser, a recent addition to the Cardinals organization.
Pooser was acquired by St. Louis on July 17 as the player to be named later in the trade that sent Chris Roycroft to another organization. While he may not be a familiar name among Cardinals fans yet, his performance before joining the system suggests he could become an interesting pitching prospect to follow.
Before the trade, Pooser posted a 3.44 ERA over 16 appearances between Class-A and High-A competition. His ability to limit runs and provide quality innings made him a valuable addition to the Cardinals’ minor league depth.
The organization assigned him to Peoria, where he will continue developing and working toward eventually climbing the minor league ladder.
Cardinals Continue Adjusting Their Minor League System
Sunday’s moves reflect the constant changes that take place throughout a professional baseball organization. Teams regularly evaluate player development, performance, injuries, and future potential when deciding how to adjust their minor league rosters.
For Edwin Núñez, the journey with St. Louis has come to an end after six seasons filled with both promise and challenges. His powerful fastball made him an intriguing player to watch, but command issues ultimately prevented him from reaching the next level with the organization.
For other pitchers like Brandon Clarke and Trey Pooser, Sunday’s announcements represent new opportunities. Clarke continues working toward a return while showcasing the elite velocity that makes him one of the Cardinals’ most exciting young arms. Pooser begins a new chapter in St. Louis’ system with the chance to prove himself.
As the season continues, the Cardinals will keep making adjustments throughout their minor league affiliates, searching for the next group of players who can eventually contribute at the major league level.
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