Cardinals Make Moves: Adames, Rempel Hit Injured List as Hernandez Returns, Gillespie Joins Roster

Cardinals Make Moves: Adames, Rempel Hit Injured List as Hernandez Returns, Gillespie Joins Roster HAMILTON — The Cardinals have had a busy week on the transaction wire, shuffling the roster in a flurry of moves that saw two key players shelved with injuries while two others were brought in to help weather the storm. Right-hander Freisis Adames and first baseman Tanner Rempel were both placed on the Injured List, creating holes in the pitching staff and infield that Hamilton moved quickly to address. Adames, a 2026 North Division All-Star from Las Matas de Farfan, Dominican Republic, hit the IL on July 14. He had been one of the more reliable arms in the rotation, posting a 4-1 record with a 3.00 ERA and 33 strikeouts over 27 innings in six starts. His 1.04 WHIP and quality start against Chatham-Kent in May showed a pitcher who could keep his team in games, and losing him leaves a noticeable gap in the rotation. Rempel, a four-year Cardinals veteran from Abbotsford, B.C., joined him on the IL on July 19. The 28-year-old had appeared in 13 games this season, batting .235 with a home run and six RBIs while splitting time at first base. His loss further thins a lineup already navigating the grind of a long summer season. To fill the void, the Cardinals turned to a familiar face and a well-traveled arm. Jommer Hernandez is back with the club, signing on July 24 after opening the season on the Inactive List. The 24-year-old Dominican utility man, who spent the 2025 campaign in Hamilton, has minor league experience in the Toronto Blue Jays and Pittsburgh Pirates organizations. He made a solid impression last season, hitting .286 with a .392 on-base percentage and four home runs while driving in 16 runs across 20 games. He saved his best swings for the playoffs, where he hit .429 with a .515 on-base percentage during the Cardinals' postseason run. Hernandez provides versatility behind the plate and around the infield, giving manager Luis Bernardo options as he pieces together the lineup card. The club also signed right-hander Scott Gillespie on July 23, plucking the Alberta native from the free-agent pool after his release from the Welland Jackfish last month. Gillespie, 29, spent five seasons in Welland, compiling a 3-3 career record with a 6.77 ERA and 109 strikeouts over 93 innings. The 6-foot-3, 235-pound righty gives the Cardinals another experienced option, whether in a bullpen role or as a spot starter if needed. While new faces arrive, one recent addition will be temporarily unavailable. Outfielder Dario Borrero, the 22-year-old Venezuelan who signed on July 21 and made a splash in his debut that same night with a home run and three RBIs against the Barnstormers, has been called to international duty. Borrero will represent his country at the Central American and Caribbean Games, departing on Monday, July 27. He is expected to rejoin the Cardinals on August 9. A former Chicago White Sox affiliate player, the 6-foot-6 left-handed hitter showed immediate promise in his lone CBL appearance, collecting two hits and driving in three runs while posting a 1.500 OPS. Hamilton will look to the returning Hernandez and the newly arrived Gillespie to steady the ship while Adames and Rempel mend, hoping the reinforcements can keep the club on track through the dog days of summer.