Catching prospect Leo Bernal promoted to Majors amid flurry of Cards moves

Catcher Leo Bernal, ranked as the Cardinals’ No. 7 prospect by MLB Pipeline, is being promoted for his MLB debut.

While Bernal is the headlining transaction, the Cardinals announced a flurry of moves ahead of Tuesday's game against the Dodgers as active rosters expanded to 28 players across MLB with the turn of the calendar to September.

St. Louis is bringing outfielder Victor Scott II back to the big leagues, and right-handed pitcher Hancel Rincon was also recalled for his potential Major league debut. Catcher Jimmy Crooks was optioned to Triple-A Memphis in a corresponding move.

Bernal, 22, has received high marks in the Minor Leagues for his work behind the plate, both receiving and in controlling the running game. The 2026 season has been a breakout campaign for the switch-hitter at the plate, though, with career bests in home runs (16), RBIs (77) and OPS (.831) across 101 games with Memphis.

A native of Panama, Bernal should get a long look at catcher for the Cardinals down the stretch. St. Louis has mainly used Crooks (46 games) and Pedro Pagés (72 games) at catcher, while primary designated hitter Iván Herrera has also served 48 games as the backstop. The Cardinals ranked 20th in MLB in caught stealing percentage (19%) entering Tuesday.

Scott will make his second stint in the Majors this season after being optioned to Triple-A in on June 10. He had struggled at the plate with a .194/.276/.258 slash line, but Scott was still providing premium defense with three Outs Above Average in a limited sample. Scott had a .662 OPS in 57 Triple-A games this season.

Finally, Rincon, 24, will join the Cardinals’ bullpen after recording a 4.03 ERA in 73 2/3 innings this season. He struck out 90 batters in that time, but he also issued 31 walks.