The Cardinals claimed Alcala off waivers from the Red Sox on Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

Alcala has split time between the Twins and Red Sox this season, posting a 6.64 ERA and 46:23 K:BB over 40.2 frames. The 30-year-old reliever cannot be optioned to the minors, so he will go onto to the Cardinals' active roster. St. Louis will have to make a corresponding transaction prior to Friday's game versus the Cubs.

The Red Sox designated Alcala for assignment Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

Alcala has fanned 46 batters over 40.2 innings this season between the Twins and Red Sox, but he's also walked 23 while posting a 6.64 ERA. Not having minor-league options remaining will hurt him, but it would not be a surprise if another team takes a shot on the hard-throwing reliever.

The Twins traded Alcala to the Red Sox on Wednesday in exchange for Andy Lugo, Phil Miller of The Minnesota Star Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

Alcala finished the 2024 season with a 3.24 ERA and 1.03 WHIP across 58.1 innings. He hasn't come close to replicating that same success to begin the '25 campaign, however, as he currently owns an 8.88 ERA and 1.81 WHIP through 24.1 frames. He'll now join a Red Sox bullpen that is in need of some depth after being bitten by the injury bug over the past couple of weeks, though the 29-year-old righty will likely be limited to low-leverage work until he finds his footing.

Alcala (0-1) took the loss in Saturday's 5-1 defeat to the Cardinals. He allowed three runs on two hits and a walk while failing to record an out in the sixth inning.

EDGE Analysis

Alcala was hit in the shoulder area by a line drive on the first batter he faced. While he stayed in the game and there wasn't a report of an injury, he may have been rattled as he then had trouble throwing strikes. The right-hander has premium velocity and reached a career-high 101.2 mph last summer, and he could work his way into a high-leverage role if he can string together better results.

Alcala looks set to make the major league bullpen, Matthew Leach of MLB.com reports. He's thrown nine scoreless innings with a 5:2 K:BB ratio this spring.

EDGE Analysis

With Alcala's performance last season, his roster status shouldn't really be in question, but the Twins curiously sent him to the minors several times last year. Alcala has outstanding velocity with a 97.9 average mph fastball, reaching a career-high 101.2 mph last summer. His strikeout rates haven't been as overpowering (8.95 K/9 last season) as he's struggled to get hitters to chase (just 19th percentile Chase% per Baseball Savant), but he limits hard hits (91st percentile Hard-Hit rate per Baseball Savant). He should be in the setup mix again this season if he can stay healthy and could be a good source of holds.

The Twins exercised Alcala's $1.5 million club option for 2025, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Alcala spent some time in the minors in 2024 but pitched well over 58.1 innings with the Twins, posting a 3.24 ERA and 58:20 K:BB over 58.1 frames. He'll be used in middle relief in 2025.

The Twins recalled Alcala from Triple-A St. Paul on Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Alcala owns a 6.75 ERA and 1.30 WHIP across 20 innings in the majors since the All-Star break, but he'll be called upon to give the Twins a fresh bullpen arm as they fight to secure a wild-card spot. He'll take the place of Brent Headrick, who was optioned to Triple-A in a corresponding move.

Alcala was optioned to Triple-A St. Paul on Monday, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Twins have elected to demote Alcala in order to make room for Cole Irvin, who was claimed off waivers earlier in the day. Alcala's recent performance likely led to the demotion, as he's allowed three runs in his last three appearances out of the bullpen.

Alcala allowed a hit while striking out two over a scoreless inning Saturday against Seattle. He reached a career-high 101.2 mph on the radar gun, Bobby Nightengale of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

Alcala has been an impact setup man for the Twins since returning from his inexplicable demotions to Triple-A in May and April. Alcala has a 1.05 ERA with a 19:7 K:BB over 17.2 innings since returning to the majors in late May.

The Twins recalled Alcala from Triple-A St. Paul on Friday, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The club had previously optioned Caleb Boushley and now have announced Alcala as his replacement on the roster and in the bullpen. In eight appearances this season, Alcala has collected a 3.27 ERA and 10:6 K:BB. He figures to be utilized in middle relief.