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| Former Cardinal Brad Thompson has reached a one-year deal with the Kansas City Royals, according to Fox Sports. |
Our View: The contract doesn't guarantee a spot on the Royals' 40-man roster, but it's believed he will make the team out of spring training. Thompson has 185 career appearances (32 starts), and a lifetime 4.36 ERA.
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| According to the St. Louis Post Dispatch, the Cardinals have released right-hander Brad Thompson. |
Our View: The club is cleaning up it's 40-man roster and with Thompson arbitration eligible for the first time, it made sense for the team to let him go instead of retain him. In his Cardinal career he held a respectable 4.36 ERA in five seasons, but was mostly relegated to mop-up and meaningless spot-start duty the last two years. Expect another team to take a flyer on his as a starter, reliever or even swingman, but don't expect him to pay any fantasy dividends.
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| Brad Thompson has been suspended three games for throwing near the head of the Mets David Wright on Wednesday, according to Newsday's David Lennon. |
Our View: Another curious application of punishment for beanballs or near beanballs in baseball. The Mets Nelson Figueroa actually hit Albert Pujols earlier in the game (the day after Pujols hit two home runs) in what appeared to be an intentional act, and yet avoided punishment, while Thompson's ball wasn't even that near Wright's head and he did not. The rule continues to be one of the most arbitrarily and bizarrely enforced ones in all of sports. Look for Thompson to appeal.
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| Brad Thompson was roughed up for five earned runs on five hits over 4.2 innings in Saturday's 5-2 loss at rival Chicago. He had three walks and three strikeouts. |
Our View: Thompson has taken a loss in four straight starts, and allowed four or more earned runs in each outing over the span. He is only an option for deeper fantasy leagues.
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| Brad Thompson lost for the third straight start on Saturday, surrendering five runs (four earned) in five innings as Cincinnati beat St. Louis 5-2. |
Our View: After pitching well in his four starts back in the rotation, Thompson has been hit hard the last three times out and likely won't be in the St. Louis rotation much longer. He is not a good spot starting option.
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| Brad Thompson was rocked for four earned runs on seven hits over six innings in Monday's 10-0 loss to the Giants at Busch Stadium. He had one walk and two strikeouts. |
Our View: It was another rough outing for Thompson, as he gave up four or more earned runs in each of his last three starts. He should only be considered in deeper fantasy leagues for his next trip to the mound.
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| Brad Thompson was lit up for five earned runs on eight hits over five innings in Wednesday's 11-0 loss at the Mets. He had one walk and no strikeouts. |
Our View: Thompson now has a losing record at 2-3, and his ERA climbs to 4.50. He had a two-game winning streak snapped tonight, and has been pitching well enough to consider in deeper NL-only leagues for his next trip to the hill.
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| Brad Thompson gave up four earned runs on five hits over seven innings in Friday's 10-5 win at Kansas City. He issued two walks with no strikeouts. |
Our View: It was not a solid outing for Thompson, but his teammates provided enough offensive support for him to take a win. He has won in back-to-starts, and is worth consideration for NL-only leagues for his next outing.
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| Brad Thompson was in control from the hill in Saturday's 3-1 win at Cleveland, as he only gave up one run (not earned) on three hits over six innings. He had two walks and five strikeouts. |
Our View: Thompson did a great job today while filling in for the injured Kyle Lohse, and is worth a look if you need help in NL-only leagues. Lohse will be on the shelf for at least four weeks while recovering from a strained right forearm.
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| The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that Brad Thompson will remain the Cardinals fifth starter while Kyle Lohse is on the disabled list. |
Our View: Thompson has been inoffensively mediocre in his two starts this season, going 0-1 while giving up five earned runs in 9.1 earnings. There are worse spot starting options, but certainly much, much better ones.
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| Brad Thompson took the loss for the Cardinals on Monday as he went 4.1 innings and surrendered three earned runs while walking three and striking out two. |
Our View: It was a highly average start for Thompson, who shouldn't be considered anything more than a desperation spot starter.
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| Brad Thompson will start for the Cardinals on Monday against the Colorado Rockies. |
Our View: Thompson threw well in his first start of the season last Tuesday, allowing only two runs in five innings, and could be a decent spot starting option should he stay in the Cardinals rotation while Kyle Lohse is out.
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| The St. Louis Post-Dispatch is now reporting that Brad Thompson is also a candidate to start for the Cardinals on Monday should Kyle Lohse be put on the disabled list. |
Our View: The point is, Brad Thompson will be getting another start for the Cardinals, either on Sunday for Joel Pineiro or on Monday for Lohse. At this point, it seems more likely to be Monday as Lohse is apparently headed for the DL.
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| Brad Thompson could make another start for the Cardinals on Sunday if Joel Pineiro is unable to go the St. Louis Post-Dispatch is reporting. |
Our View: Thompson was solid in his first start of the season for the Cardinals on Tuesday, going five innings while allowing only two runs and walking just one. He recorded zero strikeouts, however, and still does not appear to be anything more than an emergency spot starter in deeper leagues.
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| Tonight's spot start for Brad Thompson could be make or break when it comes to his Cardinals future the St. Louis Post-Dispatch is reporting. |
Our View: The Cardinals offense has been struggling for weeks now and management appears eager to upgrade, particularly at third base. With their ever-increasing stockpile of minor league arms, it is likely that it is pitching that will be dealt and Thompson could easily be a part of any deal. How this all affects his fantasy value is uncertain, but as for now, he should serve as no more than an emergency spot starter for your team, much like he is for the Cardinals.
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| Updating an earlier report, Brad Thompson has been slated to start Tuesday's game against the Reds at Busch Stadium, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. |
Our View: That will mark his first start of the season, and he has not pitched with the club since May 17. He will make a spot start with Kyle Lohse (forearm) and Joel Pineiro (back) pushed back, and Thompson is worth a look for deeper fantasy leagues.
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| The St. Louis Post-Dispatch is reporting that the Cardinals may call up a pitcher from Triple-A to start Tuesday instead of starting Brad Thompson. This news comes after it was announced that Joel Pineiro would miss his next start with back spasms. |
Our View: This isn't official yet, but it looks like Thompson may not start after all. It makes more sense to call up a starter with two members of the rotation hurting, so expect Thompson to stay in the pen. He had no fantasy value anyway.
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| With Kyle Lohse experiencing arm soreness, Brad Thompson will get his first start of the year against Cincinnati on Tuesday, according to the Associated Press. |
Our View: Thompson has a 4.30 ERA in 14.2 innings out of the bullpen this season. He's been used as a spot starter in the past but has posted an ERA just slightly below 5.00 and a WHIP above 1.40 over his previous two seasons and should not be looked at as a fantasy option.
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| Brad Thompson has been recalled by the Cardinals from Triple-A Memphis, according to TSN. P.J. Walters was optioned to Memphis as the adjoining move. |
Our View: Thompson allowed 10 hits, five earned runs and two walks over 6.2 innings with St. Louis this season, and would only be worth a look for deeper NL-only leagues if he makes some spot-starts with the club.
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| Brad Thompson is pitching well as he is 2-0 with a 1.80 ERA over two starts with Triple-A Memphis, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. |
Our View: Thompson could return as a spot-starter for the Cardinals at some point this season, but is not worth holding on standard fantasy rosters right now. He made six starts with the club in 2008.
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| According to the Associated Press, the Cardinals have optioned Brad Thompson to Triple-A Memphis. |
Our View: The Cards bullpen was overworked last night with Chris Carpenter leaving with an injury, so they wanted to get a couple fresh arms on the roster. Thompson is expected to work as a starter for Memphis.
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| Pitching coach Dave Duncan sees Brad Thompson as a long reliever and spot-starter if he makes the Cardinals out of spring training, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. |
Our View: Thompson provides versatility to the Cardinals' pitching staff, but he only holds value for deeper NL-only leagues.
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| The Cardinals have avoided salary arbitration with Brad Thompson by signing the hurler to a one-year deal worth $650,000, according to the Associated Press. |
Our View: Thompson serves many different roles for the Cardinals' pitching staff, but none make him favorable to fantasy owners as he held a barely passable 1.41 WHIP over 64.2 innings in 2008.
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| Cardinals reliever Brad Thompson likely will not be available to pitch on Sunday due to lower back pain, according to MLB.com. |
Our View: Thompson is used in many different roles for St. Louis, and none are particularly successful. He has an ERA of 5.25, and has zero fantasy value.
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| Brad Thompson lasted only 3.2 innings on Sunday as the Pirates beat him around the yard for nine hits and six runs in Thompson's third loss of the year. |
Our View: Thompson was supposed to start on Friday, but Tony LaRussa shifted things around. Too bad he did as it was clear from the get-go today that Thompson just didn't have it. His ERA went from 4.61 to 5.25 with this outing and he remains a risky play.
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| With Kyle Lohse out serving his five game suspension, Brad Thompson will make a spot start on Friday, according to MLB Blogs. Adam Wainwright will start on Saturday and Joel Pineiro will make the Sunday start against the Pirates. |
Our View: Thompson has been a merely average hurler this season with a 4.61 ERA and a 1.39 WHIP over 54.2 innings, but he is the best option for a club that has basically patched together its starting rotation for most of the season.
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| Updating an earlier story, Brad Thompson will make the start on Friday in place of Chris Carpenter, who is out with a shoulder strain, according to StLCardinals.com. |
Our View: Thompson has decent numbers having been used as both a reliever and starter this season. Still, they are not good enough to warrant a spot on fantasy teams.
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| Brad Thompson is a candidate for a spot start Friday if the ailing Chris Carpenter is unable to pitch, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The team would pick a starter internally and not recall a player from the minors. |
Our View: Fellow reliever Jamie Garcia is also a candidate to start Friday, and skipper Tony LaRussa noted that how they're used in this four-game series against Florida will determine which pitcher is slated to make the start.
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| With Braden Looper exiting Sunday's game early, the Cardinals coaching staff decided to go back to 13 pitchers for the series against the Mets, this according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Right-hander Brad Thompson was recalled from Triple-A Memphis. |
Our View: Outfielder Nick Stavinoha, who hit .250 in limited duty, has been optioned back to to the team's top affiliate.
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| Just a day after being recalled to make an emergency start, and pitching well, Brad Thompson has been optioned back to Triple-A as the Cardinals called up Mike Parisi, according to the Associated Press. |
Our View: Parisi will add some bullpen depth for what could turn out to be a high scoring series against the Boston Red Sox this weekend.
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| Brad Thompson was activated from the disabled list on Thursday to make an emergency start for Anthony Reyes. Thompson was scheduled to throw rehab in Memphis tonight, but instead took the mound Thursday afternoon against the Royals. The right-hander allowed two runs on five hits, walked none and struck out one in the 4-1 loss. |
Our View: The sinker-baller was better than expected and kept the Cards in the game. While Thompson didn't walk a batter, he also didn't fool any of the Royals hitters striking out one. His fantasy value rests in deep NL-only formats.
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| Brad Thompson has been activated from the 15-day DL and will throw in the final game of a three-game set against the Royals today, according to CBSsports.com. The team placed hurler Anthony Reyes on the 15-day DL, as an adjoining move. |
Our View: Thompson was set for a rehab start today at Triple-A Memphis but he was called up to take the hill for the Cardinals instead. He has been on the DL since April 23 with an elbow injury, and should be left on your bench unril he proves to be effective.
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| Brad Thompson didn't fare well in his first rehab outing Monday for Triple-A Memphis, allowing four runs on five hits over 3 2/3 innings. Thompson is coming back from inflammation in his pitching elbow. |
Our View: Thompson will likely need at least a couple more starts before he's ready to join the Cards. He was clearly not sharp in this outing.
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| Brad Thompson will throw roughly 45 pitches in his rehab start with Triple-A Memphis Monday, according to MLB.com. The righty is coming back from inflammation in his pitching elbow. "I want to go out there and make quality pitches," Thompson said. "I want to go out there and feel comfortable, pound the strike zone and get back used to what I've been doing." |
Our View: With the rash of injuries that have suddenly hit the Cards' pitching staff, they could use Thompson to make a start or two. We'll let you know how his start tonight goes. He'll likely need at least one more start after Monday's outing before being activated.
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| Brad Thompson has had his rehab assignment pushed up to Monday, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The righty, who is coming back from right elbow inflammation, will have his innings built up so that he's ready to provide depth for a rotation that has been hit by injuries. |
Our View: Thompson should only need a start or two to get ready. We'll let you know how his rehab goes.
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| Brad Thompson is expected to begin his rehab assignment on Thursday, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Though he may begin it earlier in the week. Thompson is recovering from right elbow inflammation. |
Our View: Thompson is being rehabbed as a starter. He held a poor 4.58 ERA and 1.64 WHIP over 17.2 innings this season prior to going down, and is not worth waiting for as a fantasy hurler.
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| Brad Thompson threw Wednesday for the first time since the team put him on the DL April 28, and he does not expect to wait long before starting a rehab assignment, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. He is recovering from inflammation in his right elbow, and said he felt great after the session.
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Our View: The reliever held a poor 4.58 ERA and 1.64 WHIP over 17.2 innings, and is not worth waiting for as a fantasy prospect.
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| St. Louis placed pitcher Brad Thompson on the 15-day disabled list on Monday. Thompson is suffering from a right elbow injury. The move is retroactive to April 23.
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Our View: Thompson had been sent down to Triple-A Memphis last Wednesday to free up a roster spot for Brendan Ryan, who was activated from the disabled list.
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| Brad Thompson has been sent down to Triple-A Memphis, according to the AP. The team made the move to free up a roster spot for Brendan Ryan, who has been activated due to the arm injury sustained by shortstop Cesar Izturis. |
Our View: Thompson held a 4.58 ERA over 17.2 innings of work, with 10 walks, 13 strikeouts, and a high 1.64 WHIP. His days as a starter were numbered, and he won't hold much fantasy value if he gets called back up as a reliever during the season.
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| Brad Thompson was solid in two starts this season, but he will be moving to the bullpen to make room for Joel Pineiro, who is coming off the DL to start against the Giants on Sunday, according to MLB.com. Manager LaRussa stated, "We won two games that Thompson started. Him and Todd Wellemeyer, since last year, they both should be in the rotation because our percentage when they pitch is good. But we like Joel as a starting pitcher, and one of the things that Brad gives us is versatility." Thompson's fantasy value is very limited as a reliever. |
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| Brad Thompson was dominant in his win against Colorado on Thursday, as he didn't allow any runs over 6.2 innings, with six hits allowed and six strikeouts. His fantasy stock will continue to rise following this strong showing. |
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| Brad Thompson may have ended spring training on a sour note, but he has earned a spot in the major-league starting rotation, according to MLB.com. Pitching against the Cardinals’ Double-A team, Thompson allowed four runs on 10 hits through four innings of work, but he struck out six and didn’t allow a single walk. At the end, Thompson is rewarded for a strong spring, going 2-0 with an ERA of 2.76 through 16 1/3 innings, touting 14 strike outs versus just four walks. Thompson started the spring in the mix for a job in the bullpen, but the Cardinals recognized potential and the gamble has, for now, paid off. |
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| Brad Thompson had another solid outing on Monday as he allowed two runs and five baserunners in five innings to pick up his second win of the spring. With the Cards dealing with so many concerns in their rotation at this point, it certainly seems like Thompson will begin the year in the rotation despite merely average numbers last season (4.73 ERA, 1.52 WHIP). Don't reach for Thompson, and in fact he likely won't make a good start unless you are in an NL Only league. |
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| Brad Thompson improved his bid for the Cardinals' final rotation spot, according to St.LouisToday. He only allowed two runs over four innings against Baltimore on Wednesday in his first official spring start and gained praise from pitching coach Dave Duncan, who stated, "I think Brad did some things to help himself today. I certainly don't think he did anything to hurt himself. You notice that because that's what hurt him a lot last year. But overall, I thought Brad did the things he needs to do to be successful." The Cardinals notably have one of the thinnest rotations in the league.
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| Brad Thompson performed well in his start on Wednesday as he allowed two runs on three hits over four innings against Baltimore, with two strikeouts and one walk. Today's outing will help keep in the running for a rotation spot. |
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| Brad Thompson will get a chance to start on Wednesday, and he is eager for the opportunity. "Yeah, this is an opportunity for me," he tells the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. "This is one I wanted. This is the role I’ve been trying to fight for for a couple of years. This is the chance I’ve been looking for." Thompson started 17 games for the Cards in 2007 but has mainly been used as a reliever over his three seasons. |
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| Brad Thompson is the favorite to get the start tonight for the Cardinals. Manager Tony La Russa said that aside from his top three starters (presumably Adam Wainwright, Braden Looper and Mark Mulder), he will mix and match the rotation the rest of the season, starting tonight, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. |
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| Brad Thompson will start for the Cardinals on Sunday in place of Kip Wells, who has been struggling as of late, according to the AP. Thompson holds a 5.07 ERA in 39 games (13 starts) for the Cards this year. If he pitches well, it's possible he'll remain in the rotation for the remainder of the year. |
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| The Cardinals recalled Brad Thompson from Triple-A Memphis Tuesday. Thompson held a 5.07 ERA in 39 games (13 starts earlier this year with the Cards. |
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| The Cardinals optioned Brad Thompson to Triple-A Memphis on Friday. Thompson is 6-5 with a 5.06 ERA in 39 games, including 13 starts. He had been struggling with command and his temper since being moved out of the rotation. Manager Tony La Russa said Thompson will be among the September callups. |
Our View: He pitched much better as a reliever last year and the team hopes he can regain his control and composure with a brief stint in the minors.
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| Brad Thompson has went back and forth from the Cardinals rotation and bullpen all year, and now, with the acquisition of Joel Pineiro, he will be heading back to the bullpen. Thompson had been questionable for his start this weekend anyway due to a blister, but now he'll be available as a reliever, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. |
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| Brad Thompson said the blister that forced him to leave Saturday's outing wouldn't keep him from pitching next week, but pitching coach Dave Duncan isn't so sure. "It's in contact with the ball, and any finger that's in contact it's significant," Duncan said in the AP. "It's not a big deal because it wasn't a major blister, but at the same time it's an issue." Anthony Reyes will get a start this week, and it will either be in place of Thompson or the ineffective Mike Maroth. |
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| Brad Thompson left Saturday's start in the top of the fourth inning due to a blister on his pitching hand. Thompson wasn't all that effective before he left, allowing seven hits and six runs (four earned), along with four walks. It's not clear yet if he'll need a DL stint. |
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| Brad Thompson has earned another start. He will take the mound on Monday against the Dodgers, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. Thompson held the Padres to one run over five innings on Tuesday. |
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| Brad Thompson will make the second major league start of his career on Tuesday night. Thompson has made 96 bullpen appearances over the past three years. "Brad will go out there and we'll evaluate things as we go on," manager Tony La Russa told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. "Someone gets hot in Triple-A, Brad will go back to the bullpen. I don't think it's possible to do anything but go series to series." |
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| Brad Thompson will pitch out of the bullpen the final two weeks of the preseason, essentially because he's been beaten out for a starting spot by Braden Looper, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. |
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| The Cardinals optioned Brad Thompson back to Triple-A Memphis on Tuesday, according to the AP. He was recalled last week when setup man Braden Looper was idled for two days with back spasms. Thompson is 1-1 with a 4.29 ERA in 34 games over two stints with the Cardinals. |
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| The Cardinals recalled Brad Thompson from Triple-A Memphis. Since being sent down in early July, Thompson posted a 2.73 ERA in eight games, including five starts. He will once again pitch out of the Cardinals bullpen. |
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