3 Relief Options Cardinals Should Explore Following Jordan Hicks' UCL Tear

The St. Louis Cardinals were done dirty by the injury gods on Monday when the club announced that flame-throwing reliever Jordan Hicks was diagnosed with a torn UCL. Though the club is currently evaluating their options with the young right-hander, his 2019 season is surely over, as the ever-prevalent Tommy John procedure likely lurks in his future.

Hicks was as reliable as a closer in all of baseball this year, posting 14 saves with a 3.14 ERA in 29 appearances. In response, Cards will be looking for reinforcements, and they could very well find them prior to the July 31 deadline. Shall we?

3. Greg Holland, Diamondbacks

The 33-year-old vet could turn out to be one of the summer's most important pick-ups when all is said and done. His 2.19 ERA backs the popular notion that his stuff is as good as ever. And everybody knows how dominant the three-time All-Star once was with the Royals, just a short jaunt down I-80. It's just unfair that Holland didn't "show" much of anything with the Cardinals to start 2018; they would've simply kept him in that case.

2. Ken Giles, Blue Jays

We'll be the first to admit that Giles postseason with the Astros back in 2017 was atrocious. Since his move north of the border, however, he's rediscovered his un-hittable stuff, tallying a 1.33 ERA, 12 saves, and 47 strikeouts in 27 innings. At 29-49, the Blue Jays would be wise to be shopping at the deadline, and the Cardinals should absolutely inquire about Giles' availability.

1. Will Smith, Giants

We'd be hard-pressed to find a contending big league club that would deny a July addition of a stud left-handed reliever. And Smith epitomizes that very description. The 29-year-old has pitched to a 2.01 ERA and has recorded 20 saves (sixth best in the league) through June 24. Not to mention that San Fran is dead last in the NL West. Who says no?