Cardinals recalled RHP Maikel Cleto from Triple-A Memphis.

The Cards' bullpen has been overworked in recent days, so Cleto will be available to eat up some innings. The 21-year-old isn't ready for prime time yet, having been drilled for six runs over 3 1/3 innings in his previous stints this season, but he has a big arm and could help out if he can manage to keep his walks down.

Cardinals optioned RHP Maikel Cleto to Double-A Springfield.

Cleto made just one appearance during his most recent stay with the big club, allowing one run on three hits and two walks over 1 1/3 innings against the Phillies on Tuesday. While the hard-throwing youngster has plenty of potential, he just doesn't look major-league ready right now.

Cardinals recalled RHP Maikel Cleto from Double-A Springfield.

Cleto has a huge arm, as he's capable of touching triple digits even as a starter, and he's also posted a 3.27 ERA and 9.8 K/9 rate over 63 1/3 innings between High- and Double-A this year. But, he looked overwhelmed in his major league debut earlier this month and has made just seven appearances above A-ball. The Cards will likely use him only in mop-up situations.

Cardinals optioned RHP Maikel Cleto to Double-A Springfield.

Hardly a surprise after Cleto looked overwhelmed during his MLB debut on Thursday, throwing almost exclusively straight fastballs while getting roughed up for five runs on three hits, two walks and two home runs in just two innings of work against the Giants. Look for him to remain on the farm for the foreseeable future.

Mariners traded RHP Mikael Cleto to the Cardinals for SS Brendan Ryan.

It's an interesting haul for the Cardinals, who acquire the hard-throwing Cleto for a player they no longer wanted. Cleto brings high-90s heat, but his command is subpar and he needs to develop secondary pitches. As a 21-year-old at High-A High Desert this past season, he was 4-9 with a 6.16 ERA, producing an 83/44 K/BB rate in 102 1/3 innings. He's a lottery ticket.