Just 13 months after he underwent emergency surgery, St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Daniel Poncedeleon is making his way to the majors for the first time.
One could understand if St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Daniel Poncedeleon did not expect to reach the majors. After all, just 13 months ago, while pitching against the Iowa Cubs, he had been struck in the right temple by a line drive, suffering a fractured skull. Poncedeleon underwent an emergency craniotomy, as he was bleeding from his brain.
Amazingly, Poncedeleon made his way back to the mound. After a lengthy rehab process, and several months of inactivity, he was able to begin pitching once more, taking his place on the Memphis Redbirds. He continued to pitch well, posting a 5-2 record with a 2.14 ERA and a 1.408 WHiP. He has had some command issues, issuing 35 walks in 59.2 innings, but has also struck out 71 batters.
That live arm, as well as his perseverance, have caught the attention of the Cardinals. After doctors wondered if Poncedeleon would even be able to walk or eat normally, he has reached the mountaintop, being called up to St. Louis to make his major league debut.
398 days ago @_ponce14 had emergency brain surgery after taking a line drive to the head.
— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) June 11, 2018
Doctors wondered if he would be able to walk, talk, or eat normally again.
Poncedeleon always knew he would return to the mound.
Today, we called him up to the big leagues. https://t.co/CiEulMMoF5
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Poncedeleon had certainly been a coveted asset. Before signing with the Cardinals as a ninth round draft choice in 2014, he had been drafted three other times. The Rays, Reds, and Cubs all had interest in the righty, but were unable to sign him to a contract. Their loss turned out to be the Cardinals gain, as Poncedeleon has posted a 2.72 ERA and a 1.201 WHiP, striking out 357 batters against 148 walks in 403 minor league innings.
Whether he works as a starter or reliever, Poncedeleon could be an intriguing arm. He has a fastball that sits in the mid 90s, along with a sinker, slider, and curve. However, injuries have been a concern, as shoulder surgery caused him to fail a physical with the Cubs after being drafted. If he can stay healthy, he could be especially handy with that four pitch mix.
He has also become a model for perseverance. It would be easy to give up after such an injury, or to never set foot on a mound again. Instead, Poncedeleon not only worked back to be able to live a normal life, but to again return to the Cardinals organization. That hard work has truly paid off with this promotion.
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Daniel Poncedeleon is now a major leaguer. The latest member of the St. Louis Cardinals has come a long way in the past 13 months.