Andrew Kittredge, a late-blooming MLB player, experienced the pinnacle of the game by making the All-Star team in 2021, only to have his success cut short by a career-threatening elbow injury. After undergoing Tommy John surgery and a lengthy recovery, Kittredge is now aiming to regain his All-Star form with the Cardinals, who acquired him from the Rays. Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol is hopeful that Kittredge, who demonstrated versatility and success with the Rays, can bolster their bullpen, which struggled with save opportunities in 2023. Kittredge, now 33, expresses excitement about pitching in front of the packed stadiums of St. Louis, feeling that the adrenaline from the crowd will propel his performance.

By the Numbers
  • Kittredge started 4 games and finished 15 others in 2021, achieving a 9-3 record, a 1.88 ERA, 7 holds, and 8 saves
  • The Cardinals converted only 36 of 64 save opportunities in 2023
State of Play
  • Kittredge returned to the mound on Aug. 18, 2023, and pitched a scoreless inning for a save in his first game since the injury
  • Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol is optimistic about Kittredge's potential impact on the team's bullpen
  • Kittredge expresses excitement about pitching in front of packed stadiums in St. Louis
Bottom Line

After battling a career-threatening injury, Kittredge's journey to regain his All-Star form with the Cardinals reflects a story of resilience and determination, offering hope for a successful comeback in the upcoming season.