Sometimes I like to look at a player’s journey and their unlikely road to getting to the present day. And while every player has a tough journey to the big leagues, sometimes that journey involves getting drafted in the high…
Viva El Birdos writer Gabe Simonds analyzes the turbulent, winding career paths typical of major league relievers, highlighting St. Louis Cardinals pitchers Riley O’Brien and Justin Bruihl. Simonds argues that relievers frequently face circuitous journeys involving multiple organizations, waiver claims, and developmental setbacks before finding success.
O'Brien transitioned from an unheralded college pitcher to an 8th-round draft pick who weathered injuries and multiple trades to earn an All-Star selection with St. Louis. Bruihl went undrafted out of Cal Poly and endured repeated designations for assignment across several clubs before spending the entire 2026 season in the majors with the Cardinals.
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