Jimmy Crooks’ May 29 call-up left Leo Bernal with more pitcher-planning duties in Triple-A, work Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said helped prepare the 22-year-old catcher for his Aug. 31 promotion. Bernal hit .282 with four homers and 18 RBIs in his first 21 MLB games.
Marmol said Crooks’ promotion also rewarded his strong start at Triple-A Memphis, though that performance did not carry over to the major leagues. During Crooks’ three months in St. Louis, Bernal took ownership of advance meetings and pregame strategy with pitchers and coaches.
Cardinals pitchers praised Bernal’s preparation and game-calling. Quinn Mathews and Michael McGreevy had worked with him at Double-A Springfield and Triple-A Memphis, and the article says that prior familiarity helped their chemistry in the majors.
