Which 5 St. Louis Cardinals Non-Roster Invitees Have the Best Chance to Play in the Majors in 2015?

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2. Tim Cooney, LHP

With the promotions of guys like Michael Wacha, Marco Gonzales, and Carlos Martinez, the Cardinals have used up most of the young minor-league pitching depth that was seemingly limitless in their system several years ago. That leaves 24-year-old left-hander Tim Cooney in good position to take advantage of an opening in the big-league starting rotation if and when injuries occur this year.

The Cardinals open the season with solid starting depth, as they’ll have the loser of the fifth starter competition between Marco Gonzales and Carlos Martinez ready and waiting, either in the bullpen or the Triple-A rotation. Veteran lefty Jaime Garcia could also be an option if he stays healthy, but that has been a major issue over the past several years.

Beyond those guys, however, the options aren’t as clear. Tyler Lyons, who has been a spot starter over the past couple years, could be a candidate, but he’s also an intriguing bullpen possibility. Cooney, who was 14-6 with a 3.47 ERA and a 1.30 WHIP over 26 Triple-A games in 2014, is probably the next man up. Considering that the Cardinals used 12 different starting pitchers in 2014 and 10 in the year prior, it seems very likely that Cooney will get an opportunity to start a game at some point in 2015.

Next: 1. Stephen Piscotty