John King Returns to Cardinals After Injury
John King Returns to Cardinals After Injury
The St. Louis Cardinals announced Sunday morning that they have activated left-handed reliever John King from the 15-day injured list. King had been sidelined for nearly a month with a left groin strain. His return bolsters a bullpen that has been searching for stability, especially from its left-handed options.
Anthony Veneziano Optioned to Triple-A
To make room for King on the active roster, the Cardinals optioned fellow left-hander Anthony Veneziano to Triple-A Memphis. Veneziano made two appearances during his week-long stint with the team following his recent call-up but will now return to the minors to continue developing.
King’s Season Has Been a Struggle
Prior to his injury, King was in the midst of an inconsistent 2025 campaign. After posting a solid 3.38 ERA early in June, his performance declined through the summer. Entering Sunday, King holds a 5.18 ERA across 42.1 innings pitched and a WHIP above 1.6—both concerning numbers for the veteran southpaw.
Decline in Strikeout Efficiency
One notable concern has been King’s decreased ability to miss bats. This season, he holds a career-low 1.85 strikeout-to-walk ratio, indicating control issues and fewer strikeouts compared to previous years. It’s a significant drop from the more efficient versions of King seen in recent seasons.
A Proven Track Record to Build On
Despite his struggles in 2025, King has been a valuable bullpen piece in the past. Over his six-year MLB career, he has maintained a 3.87 ERA. His time with the Cardinals has been even better, highlighted by a 1.45 ERA in 2023 and a 2.85 ERA over 60 innings last season.
Hope for a Strong Finish
With King now healthy, the Cardinals hope he can rediscover the form that made him a key part of their bullpen in recent years. As the team looks to gain ground in the standings during the stretch run, a return to form from King could provide a major boost.
