Thomas Saggese hit his first homer of the year before being removed for a pinch-hitter in the sixth inning Friday against the Cubs.

Saggese got the nod over Nolan Gorman against Shota Imanaga, but he was replaced by Gorman as soon as the lefty exited so that Gorman could strike out and pop out in two at-bats. The Cardinals really ought to give Saggese a look over Gorman at this point. After all, they were just willing to bench Pedro Pages, who, despite his offensive decencies, has easily been a more valuable player than Gorman as a major leaguer.