Cardinals’ Latest Roster Announcement Sparks Fan Backlash originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The St. Louis Cardinals made a pair of roster moves on Monday afternoon, recalling right-handers Riley O’Brien and Chris Roycroft from Triple-A Memphis.
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In a corresponding decision, the team optioned Michael McGreevy and Matt Svanson back to Memphis — a move that immediately drew backlash from fans.
The frustration centers mostly on McGreevy, who had just made his first big league start of the season on Sunday.
While his final stat line of 6.0 innings, 8 hits, 4 earned runs, 5 strikeouts and 0 walks may look underwhelming at first glance, the 2021 first-round pick allowed runs in just two innings and showed poise throughout the outing.
St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Michael McGreevy (36) pitches.Jeff Curry-Imagn Images
It wasn’t McGreevy’s first appearance in the majors this season either. He previously appeared in relief during a early May win over the Mets, tossing 5.2 innings of one-hit ball with five strikeouts.
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Despite that success and a strong showing in Triple-A, the Cardinals opted to send him back down, prompting confusion and criticism from fans.
“We are so unserious dude,” one user wrote on X.
“Keeping Pallante over McGreevy and sending down Svanson for Roycroft is certainly a choice,” another added.
Though it’s likely McGreevy will return to St. Louis sometime later this summer, many fans are calling for him to be given a longer look, especially with ongoing inconsistencies in the starting rotation.
The buzz around the 24-year-old continues to grow, and it’s clear Cardinals fans are eager to see him stay up.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 9, 2025, where it first appeared.