The St. Louis Cardinals have confirmed a disappointing development in their pitching rotation: right-handed prospect Sem Robberse will be out of action for approximately six weeks due to injury. This comes at an unfortunate time for the 23-year-old, who was expected to make notable progress this season.
Robberse, originally acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays in the 2023 trade involving reliever Jordan Hicks, has been seen as a promising part of the Cardinals’ future pitching core. After spending last season with the Triple-A Memphis Redbirds, where he posted a 4.38 ERA and a 1.25 WHIP over 90.1 innings, Robberse entered the 2025 season aiming to take the next step in his development.
However, the early part of the season has proven to be a challenge. In his first four starts of 2025, Robberse struggled significantly, recording a 7.36 ERA and a 2.18 WHIP. On April 21, the Cardinals placed him on the 7-day injured list, and it has now been revealed that the injury is serious enough to require a six-week recovery window.
The specific nature of the injury has not been publicly detailed, but it marks a significant blow to both Robberse and the Cardinals’ minor league system. With Robberse sidelined, the organization must now reshuffle its depth chart and lean on other arms to carry the load at Triple-A Memphis.
This injury not only delays Robberse’s personal progress but also impacts the Cardinals’ long-term pitching plans. With the major league club dealing with its own pitching inconsistencies, Robberse was viewed as a potential mid-season call-up or at least a reliable depth option.
Despite the setback, the Cardinals remain hopeful that Robberse will return healthy and continue his path toward becoming a future asset in the big leagues. The team’s medical staff will be closely monitoring his rehab in the coming weeks.
In the meantime, the Cardinals will need other prospects to rise to the occasion, as they navigate the remainder of the season without one of their more intriguing young arms.
