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This is from the Post Dispatch:

The St. Louis Cardinals returned Mitchell Boggs to Class AAA Memphis this week to start games, but not necessarily to become a starter.

The Cardinals left the possibility open that Boggs would return to the big leagues as a spot starter later this season, according to reports this week from St. Louis Post-Dispatch baseball writer Joe Strauss in San Diego. Because, you know, anything's possible.

But the benefit to Boggs of starting in Triple-A Memphis is getting regular work, extended work and more innings to work on the pitches that have vanished or failed him in the late-inning relief role. This is similar to what the Cardinals (and other clubs) do with prospects who project in relief. Jordan Swagerty, for example, is starting in the minors so his appearances are scheduled, his innings are guaranteed, and he gets the work between starts on the crispness of his pitches. This is what Boggs will do.

Er, has done.

On Wednesday night in Salt Lake City, Boggs made his first start at Class AAA since 2009. The righthander went 1 1/3 innings and took the (non-representative) loss. Memphis had only four hits and committed three errors in the 10-0 loss. Boggs was gone before much of the shenanigans happened, having allowed one run (earned) on two hits and a walk. He faced seven batters and threw 34 pitches (20 strikes). Boggs turned the game over to scheduled starter Adam Ottavino in the middle of an inning, and Ottavino saw his ERA bloat with three earned runs (six runs total) in 3 1/3 innings of work.

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/baseball/professional/article_efb335f4-87b4 -11e0-b139-0019bb30f31a.html


I'd love to see Franklin released but releasing a player means you are giving up on them and I doubt TLR would do that. Please don't get my started on "older than dirt" Batista

Good info, thanks SGB. At least it is good to see Franklin be somewhat effective in his last few appearances. Maybe he will be able to play a role.

Boggs third outing with Memphis today: 5 IP, 2 hits, 1 unearned run and 4 Ks. Best outing he's had since going down.