The St. Louis Cardinals were unable to wrap up their series against the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday after bad weather forced a postponement in the area. The series finale will instead be made up on August 17 as part of a split day-night doubleheader, with the first game scheduled for a 1:40 p.m. ET start.
The rainout was particularly frustrating for Cardinals fans because it delayed what was expected to be a memorable moment: the major league debut of No. 20 prospect Brycen Mautz. Before the game was officially postponed, St. Louis announced Mautz had been promoted to the big-league roster after being named the organization’s 2025 Minor League Pitcher of the Year. In a corresponding move, reliever Matt Svanson was optioned to Triple-A Memphis, while right-hander Ryan Fernandez was also returned to Memphis after serving as the extra player in a recent doubleheader.
Despite the postponement, Mautz is expected to stay with the Cardinals as they head into their upcoming series against the Milwaukee Brewers, keeping his long-anticipated debut right around the corner.
Svanson’s demotion, meanwhile, was viewed as a necessary step. After emerging as a reliable bullpen arm last season with a 1.94 ERA, he has struggled significantly in 2026, posting an 8.77 ERA through 24 appearances. A reset in Triple-A gives him a chance to regain command and confidence, something the Cardinals clearly believe he needs right now.
For now, Mautz will get his opportunity at the major league level, Fernandez is likely to rejoin the club again soon, and Svanson remains part of the long-term bullpen picture. If he can rediscover his previous form, St. Louis will be in a far better position as the season progresses.