Everson Pereira, claimed on Friday by the Cardinals after being waived by the White Sox, has appeared in 27 MLB games this season and has five doubles, four homers and 11 RBI. Nelson Velazquez, who was used primarily against left-handed pitching, was designated for assignment.
Continuing to use 2026 as a year for development and opportunity, the Cardinals promoted newly claimed outfielder Everson Perreira to the active roster and designated slugger Nelson Velazquez for assignment.
Pereira, 25, was claimed off waivers from the Chicago White Sox and added to the Cardinals’ 40-man roster on Friday. Right-handed pitcher Tink Hence, who rose as high as the No. 2 prospect in the Cards’ Minor League system in 2024, was outrighted to the Florida Complex League Cardinals after being DFAed last weekend and going unclaimed.
Pereira, who can play all three outfield positions, appeared in 27 games with the White Sox in 2026 and posted a 99 OPS+, meaning his production was just one percent off the average player. He went 18 for 88 (.225) with five doubles, four home runs and 11 RBI this season with Chicago.
The native of Venezuela has appeared in 172 MLB games with the Yankees, Rays and White Sox over three MLB seasons. In his MLB career, he has hit just .172 with 10 doubles, six homers, 29 RBI and seven stolen bases in as many tries.
The Cardinals host the Rockies tonight in Game 2 of the three-game series at Busch Stadium. After struggling for weeks after the break for the MLB All-Star Game, the Cardinals have won three of their last four games. The Cards (58-58) jumped the Marlins (58-59) in the standings and moved within 3 ½ games of the final Wild Card Spot in the National League. The Phillies (62-55) sit in the No. 3 spot, while the Padres (60-57) are two games back.
Velazquez gone after strong start
Velazquez, 27, thought he had made the Cardinals’ Opening Day roster after hitting .357 with four homers and 10 RBI in Spring Training, but the club instead sent him to Triple-A. He was promoted on May 29, and he had two hits, a homer and three RBI in a win over the Cubs.
Used primarily as an occasional starter or pinch-hitter against left-handed pitchers, Velazquez had four doubles, four home runs and 12 RBI in 34 games. He compiled a .721 OPS, but he struck out 25 times and walked just seven.
Velazquez had a hit in Wednesday’s win over the Yankees, but he went just 2 for his last 22 with the Cardinals. In his MLB career with the Cubs and Royals, he has 35 homers and 99 RBI with a .720 OPS in 228 career games.
