The Cardinals started the season without their biggest offseason signing, as staff ace opened the 2024 campaign on the shelf due to a hamstring strain. The right-hander was scheduled for a final rehab start this past week before returning to big league action, but those plans were dashed by an that kept Gray from taking the mound. The club initially announced that Gray would have his Triple-A start pushed back to this coming Tuesday, but manager revealed to reporters (including ) today that Grays start that day will actually be for the big league club. Per Marmol, Gray will be limited to around 65 pitches in his Cardinals debut, where hell take on the Phillies in the second game of a three-game set between the clubs. Gray landed in St. Louis back in November on a three-year, $75MM deal following a dominant 2023 season in Minnesota. The right-hander posted a 2.79 ERA with an MLB-best 2.83 FIP for the Twins last Bj Surhoff Jersey year in a performance that earned him his third career All Star appearance and a second-place finish in AL Cy Young award voting behind Yankees ace . The Cardinals are surely hoping Gray will bring that same form to St. Louis. The club was plagued by one of the worst starting pitching staffs in the majors last year, and the early returns havent been much better so far with the rotations 5.64 FIP in the young 2024 campaign is better than only the Rockies and Blue Jays among all big league clubs. Upon his return, Gray figures to replace struggling youngster in the clubs rotation mix, slotting in alongside fellow veterans , , , and . More from around the NL Central The Cubs made a surprise roster move just before the start of their game against the Dodgers this afternoon, placing right-hander on the 15-day injured list with a right shoulder strain as noted by . Its a significant blow to the clubs relief corps, as Merryweather has dominated with a 3.29 ERA (136 ERA+) and a nearly matching 3.46 FIP in 73 appearances for the Cubs acro s the past two seasons. Merryweathers absence will pave the way for right-hander , who pitched to a 4.45 ERA acro s 27 appearances in his rookie season last year, to join the clubs bullpen. Meanwhile, Merryweathers role in the clubs late-inning mix alongside and figures to be filled by Speaking of pitching roster moves, the Brewers placed right-hander on the 15-day IL yesterday due to a right shoulder impingement. Fortunately for Milwaukee, it sounds as though the i sue isnt particularly serious. According to , an MRI on Juniss shoulder came back clean and Junis told reporters that he hopes to begin ramping back up in a few days. That would seem to indicate an absence near the minimum for the right-hander, whos been replaced by southpaw on the active roster while he recuperates. Ashby, 26 next month, did not pitch in the majors last year after undergoing shoulder surgery but now appears to be healthy, having already made a five-inning start at the Triple-A level this season. Devin Williams Jersey