The St. Louis Cardinals activated reliever Jorge Alcala for Sunday’s game vs. the Cubs after scooping him off waivers last Thursday, according to MLB.com’s John Denton. Right-hander Gordan Graceffo was optioned to Triple-A Memphis in a corresponding move.
The #STLCards just announced this move:
— John Denton (@JohnDenton555) August 10, 2025
- RHP Jorge Alcala (#56) added to the active roster
- RHP Gordon Graceffo optioned to Memphis (AAA)
The seven-year Major League veteran was designated for assignment last Tuesday by the Boston Red Sox, with whom he held a 3.31 ERA over 19 appearances. St. Louis is the third team Alcala will have played for this season, after he began the year with the Twins.
Alcala accumulated an 8.88 ERA with Minnesota—where he spent the first six-plus seasons of his career—prompting them to make a deal with the Red Sox for infielder Andy Lugo on June 11. He last pitched on Aug. 4 vs. Kansas City.
Alcala, who grew up in the Dominican Republic, “idolized” Albert Pujols and said that all the good things he’s heard about the Cardinals organization have been from the St. Louis legend, per Denton.
He’s set to earn $1.5 million this season and can be retained for 2026 via arbitration if he performs. The 30-year-old primarily leans on his four-seam fastball, which ranks in the 89th percentile of MLB with an average 97.1 mph velocity.
Alcala isn’t the only reliever St. Louis has picked up recently in its quest to add arm depth. Lefty Anthony Veneziano was also called off waivers from the Miami Marlins on Aug. 4. He tossed a scoreless 4th inning in his organizational debut on Saturday with Triple-A Memphis.