Andre Granillo Shines in Long-Awaited MLB Debut
Credit: (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)
The Cardinals’ bullpen received a fresh boost on Thursday as right-hander Andre Granillo made his long-awaited Major League debut, capping off a steady and impressive climb through the St. Louis minor league system. The 25-year-old delivered 2.2 scoreless innings of relief against the Brewers at American Family Field, allowing just two hits in a strong first showing.
Granillo, a former standout at the University of California, Riverside, was selected by the Cardinals in the 14th round of the 2021 MLB Draft. He gained early attention during his collegiate summer stint with the Mankato MoonDogs in the Northwoods League, where he posted a 2.29 ERA, struck out 34 batters in 19.2 innings, and notched two saves across 10 games. With his debut, Granillo becomes the 397th former Northwoods League player to reach the big leagues.
After being drafted, Granillo debuted professionally with the Low-A Palm Beach Cardinals, where he impressed with a 1.50 ERA over 18 innings in 2021. His rapid development continued in 2022, as he climbed from Palm Beach to High-A Peoria Chiefs and eventually to Double-A Springfield, finishing the year with 82 strikeouts in just 52.1 innings and eight saves.
Granillo continued to work his way up the organizational ladder through 2023 and 2024, splitting time between Springfield and Triple-A Memphis. His 2024 season was a turning point — he posted an 8-2 record and a 3.88 ERA with 80 strikeouts over 65 innings across 48 games.
In 2025, Granillo made a dominant case for a promotion. In 18 games for Memphis, he was 4-0 with a 1.82 ERA, tallying 46 strikeouts in just 29.2 innings and holding opposing hitters to a .159 batting average. His performance earned him a spot on the 40-man roster, and the Cardinals made it official Thursday, selecting Granillo and sending Chris Roycroft back to Memphis.
Granillo’s debut came in the midst of a roster shake-up, as St. Louis recalled outfielder Michael Siani and designated Ryan Vilade for assignment. While the Cardinals dropped the opener of their four-game series with Milwaukee 6-0, Granillo’s clean and composed relief appearance stood out as a bright spot.
