HOUSTON — A candidate to claim a rotation spot out of spring who got off to a strong start in Class AAA as an immediate starting option the Cardinals could call up, right-hander Richard Fitts had his season cut short this week after requiring season-ending surgery.
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St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Riley O'Brien speaks with the media after a win over the Guardians at Busch Stadium in St. Louis on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.
Photos: Cardinals slug their way to 9-4 series-opening win in Houston against the Astros
Apr 17, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; St. Louis Cardinals second baseman JJ Wetherholt (26) hits an infield single during the first inning against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Apr 17, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez (44) hits a single during the first inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Apr 17, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Kyle Leahy (62) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Apr 17, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; St. Louis Cardinals second baseman JJ Wetherholt (26) scores a run past Houston Astros catcher Christian Vazquez (2) during the first inning at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Apr 17, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Peter Lambert (38) walks off the mound after pitching during the first inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Apr 17, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Peter Lambert (38) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Apr 17, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Peter Lambert (38) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Apr 17, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Alec Burleson (41) hits a single during the first inning against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Apr 17, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; St. Louis Cardinals right fielder Jordan Walker (18) hits an RBI single during the first inning against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Apr 17, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Peter Lambert (38) walks to the dugout before the game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Apr 17, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros manager Joe Espada talks with a player in the dugout before the game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Apr 17, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros manager Joe Espada walks in the dugout before the game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Apr 17, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Ramon Urias (29) takes batting practice before the game against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Alec Burleson throws to first during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Houston Astros in Houston, Friday, April 17, 2026.
St. Louis Cardinals' Pedro Pagés celebrates after a triple during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Houston Astros in Houston, Friday, April 17, 2026.
Houston Astros' Christian Vázquez (2) clebrates with Jose Altuve (27) after hitting a home run during the third inning of a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals in Houston, Friday, April 17, 2026.
Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez watches his home run ball during the third inning of a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals in Houston, Friday, April 17, 2026.
Houston Astros' Christian Vázquez celebrates in the dugout after hitting a home run during the third inning of a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals in Houston, Friday, April 17, 2026.
St. Louis Cardinals shortstop Masyn Winn throws to first to out Houston Astros' Carlos Correa during the third inning of a baseball game in Houston, Friday, April 17, 2026.
Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez celebrates in the dugout after hitting a home run during the third inning of a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals in Houston, Friday, April 17, 2026.
Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez celebrates as he runs the bases after hitting a home run during the third inning of a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals in Houston, Friday, April 17, 2026.
St. Louis Cardinals designated hitter Iván Herrera (48) scores during the third inning of a baseball game against the Houston Astros in Houston, Friday, April 17, 2026.
St. Louis Cardinals designated hitter Iván Herrera is hit by a pitch from Houston Astros starting pitcher Peter Lambert during the third inning of a baseball game in Houston, Friday, April 17, 2026.
St. Louis Cardinals' JJ Wetherholt (26) talks with Masyn Winn (0) after scoring during the first inning of a baseball game against the Houston Astros in Houston, Friday, April 17, 2026.
Houston Astros center fielder Taylor Trammell catches a fly ball hit by St. Louis Cardinals designated hitter Iván Herrera during the first inning of a baseball game in Houston, Friday, April 17, 2026.
St. Louis Cardinals' JJ Wetherholt (26) scores during the first inning of a baseball game against the Houston Astros in Houston, Friday, April 17, 2026.
St. Louis Cardinals designated hitter Iván Herrera prepares to bat during the first inning of a baseball game against the Houston Astros in Houston, Friday, April 17, 2026.
St. Louis Cardinals' Masyn Winn prepares to bat during the first inning of a baseball game against the Houston Astros in Houston, Friday, April 17, 2026.
Houston Astros starting pitcher Peter Lambert throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals in Houston, Friday, April 17, 2026.
St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Kyle Leahy throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Houston Astros in Houston, Friday, April 17, 2026.
Cardinals third baseman Nolan Gorman hits a three-run home run during the seventh inning of a game against the Astros on Friday, April 17, 2026, in Houston.
Apr 17, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Gorman (16) celebrates with right fielder Jordan Walker (18) and first baseman Alec Burleson (41) after hitting a home run during the seventh inning against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Apr 17, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros catcher Christian Vazquez (2) hits a home run during the third inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Apr 17, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) celebrates with third baseman Carlos Correa (1) after hitting a home run during the fifth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Apr 17, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; A view of the sliding mitt of St. Louis Cardinals shortstop Masyn Winn (0) during the game against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Apr 17, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros catcher Christian Vazquez (2) celebrates with second baseman Jose Altuve (27) after hitting a home run during the third inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Apr 17, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; St. Louis Cardinals catcher Pedro Pages (43) runs to first base on a hit during the fourth inning against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Apr 17, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros third baseman Isaac Paredes (15) reacts after striking out during the fourth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Apr 17, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Kyle Leahy (62) reacts and Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez (44) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the third inning at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Apr 17, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) crosses home plate to score a run after hitting a home run during the fifth inning av/ at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Apr 17, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros catcher Christian Vazquez (2) points up while rounding the bases after hitting a home run during the third inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Apr 17, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; St. Louis Cardinals designated hitter Ivan Herrera (48) scores a run during the third inning against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Apr 17, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; St. Louis Cardinals catcher Pedro Pages (43) scores a run during the fourth inning against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Apr 17, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Peter Lambert (38) reacts after hitting a batter during the third inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Apr 17, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Kyle Leahy (62) and catcher Pedro Pages (43) walk off the field after the second inning against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Apr 17, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; St. Louis Cardinals second baseman JJ Wetherholt (26) is hit by a pitch during the third inning against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Apr 17, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; St. Louis Cardinals right fielder Jordan Walker (18) reacts after striking out during the third inning against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Apr 17, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; St. Louis Cardinals left fielder Nathan Church (27) hits a single second inning against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Apr 17, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Peter Lambert (38) delivers a pitch during the second inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Apr 17, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Peter Lambert (38) delivers a pitch during the second inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Apr 17, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Kyle Leahy (62) delivers a pitch during the second inning against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Apr 17, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez (44) celebrates with third base coach Tony Perezchica (12) after hitting a home run during the third inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Apr 17, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; St. Louis Cardinals right fielder Jordan Walker (18) leaps but is unable to catch a home run ball hit by Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez (not pictured) during the third inning at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Apr 17, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez (44) hits a home run during the third inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
St. Louis Cardinals designated hitter Iván Herrera celebrates after hitting a home run during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Houston Astros in Houston, Friday, April 17, 2026.
St. Louis Cardinals designated hitter Iván Herrera (48) celebrates with Alec Burleson (41) after hitting a home run during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Houston Astros in Houston, Friday, April 17, 2026.
Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve throws to first to out St. Louis Cardinals' Nathan Church during the seventh inning of a baseball game in Houston, Friday, April 17, 2026.
St. Louis Cardinals' Nolan Gorman, right, celebrates with Jordan Walker (18) and Alec Burleson (41) after they all scored from a home run hit by Gorman during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Houston Astros in Houston, Friday, April 17, 2026.
Houston Astros pitcher Bryan Abreu throws during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals in Houston, Friday, April 17, 2026.
St. Louis Cardinals' Nolan Gorman hits a home run during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Houston Astros in Houston, Friday, April 17, 2026.
Houston Astros pitcher Bryan Abreu throws during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals in Houston, Friday, April 17, 2026.
St. Louis Cardinals' Nolan Gorman celebrates as he runs the bases after hitting a home run during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Houston Astros in Houston, Friday, April 17, 2026.
Houston Astros' Taylor Trammell reacts after flying out during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals in Houston, Friday, April 17, 2026.
St. Louis Cardinals left fielder Nathan Church, right, steals second ahead of a tag by Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve during the sixth inning of a baseball game in Houston, Friday, April 17, 2026.
Houston Astros' Jose Altuve (27) celebrates in the dugout after hiting a home run during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals in Houston, Friday, April 17, 2026.
Houston Astros' Jose Altuve (27) celebrates after hiting a home run during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals in Houston, Friday, April 17, 2026.
Houston Astros' Jose Altuve hits a home run during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals in Houston, Friday, April 17, 2026.
Houston Astros' Jose Altuve, right, celebrates with Carlos Correa after hitting a home run during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals in Houston, Friday, April 17, 2026.
Apr 17, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Gorman (16) celebrates with right fielder Jordan Walker (18) after hitting a home run during the seventh inning against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Apr 17, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Alec Burleson (41) hits a double during the seventh inning against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Apr 17, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Justin Bruihl (47) delivers a pitch during the sixth inning against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Apr 17, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros pitcher Bryan Abreu (52) looks up after a pitch during the seventh inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Apr 17, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros pitcher Bryan Abreu (52) reacts and St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Gorman (16) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the seventh inning at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Cardinals outfielders Nathan Church, from left, Victor Scott II and Jordan Walker celebrate after winning a game against the Astros on Friday, April 17, 2026, in Houston.
St. Louis Cardinals catcher Pedro Pagés, left, and pitcher George Soriano celebrate after winning a baseball game against the Houston Astros in Houston, Friday, April 17, 2026.
St. Louis Cardinals pitcher George Soriano celebrates after winning a baseball game against the Houston Astros in Houston, Friday, April 17, 2026.
Houston Astros' Carlos Correa (1) doubles ahead of a tag by St. Louis Cardinals second baseman JJ Wetherholt (26) during the eighth inning of a baseball game in Houston, Friday, April 17, 2026.
St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Ryne Stanek throws during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Houston Astros in Houston, Friday, April 17, 2026.
Apr 17, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; St. Louis Cardinals designated hitter Ivan Herrera (48) celebrates with third base coach Ron 'pop' Warner (75) after hitting a home run during the eighth inning against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Apr 17, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; St. Louis Cardinals designated hitter Ivan Herrera (48) celebrates with first baseman Alec Burleson (41) after hitting a hoome run during the eighth inning against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Apr 17, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; St. Louis Cardinals center fielder Victor Scott II (11) ccelebrates with teammates after the game against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Apr 17, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; St. Louis Cardinals catcher Pedro Pages (43) and pitcher George Soriano (65) celebrate after the game against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Apr 17, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; St. Louis Cardinals right fielder Jordan Walker (18) celebrates with left fielder Nathan Church (27) and center fielder Victor Scott II (11) after the game against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
