RetroSimba

In establishing a Cardinals single-season record for most appearances by a right-handed pitcher, Jason Motte has broken a mark that stood for almost 20 years.

With three games remaining in the 2011 regular season, Motte has appeared in 78 games and has a chance to become the first Cardinals right-hander to pitch in 80.

In recording the save Sept. 25 in the Cardinals’ 3-2 victory over the Cubs, Motte eclipsed the franchise record of 77 appearances for a right-hander established by Mike Perez with the 1992 Cardinals and matched by Julian Tavarez with the 2004 Cardinals.

Motte is the fifth Cardinals right-hander since 1987 to appear in 75 or more games, joining Todd Worrell (75 in 1987), Mike Perez (77 in 1992), Julian Tavarez (77 in 2004) and Russ Springer (76 in 2007).

Only two Cardinals pitchers _ left-handers Steve Kline and Ray King _ have pitched in more games than Motte in a season. Kline holds the franchise record for appearances, with 89 in 2001. King pitched in 86 games in 2004.

Here’s a look at the seasons produced by Cardinals right-handers who pitched in 75 or more games:

TODD WORRELL, 1987

The closer for the National League champions was 8-6 with a 2.66 ERA and 33 saves in a franchise-record 75 games.

Worrell got stronger as the season progressed. In April, he appeared in six games and had a 5.40 ERA. He struggled into mid-May, then hit his stride. From May 20 to June 18, Worrell pitched 16 scoreless innings. In August, he pitched 22.2 innings in 16 appearances and had an 0.79 ERA for the month.

MIKE PEREZ, 1992

The rookie setup reliever for closer Lee Smith was 9-3 with a 1.84 ERA in a franchise-record 77 games.

Perez allowed one run in 32.2 innings from April 21 to June 18 for an 0.28 ERA during that stretch.

For the season, Perez held right-handed hitters to a .181 batting average (32-for-177).  In 36 games at Busch Stadium, Perez was 5-1 with an 0.96 ERA.

JULIAN TAVAREZ, 2004

In his first season with St. Louis, the 31-year-old veteran was 7-4 with a 2.38 ERA and four saves in 77 games for the National League champions.

Tavarez was most effective down the stretch, allowing five earned runs over 30.1 innings during the season’s final three months.

RUSS SPRINGER, 2007

At 38, Springer began his second stint as a Cardinal with an 8-1 record and 2.18 ERA in 76 games. The eight wins were a career high.

Springer had a 17.2-inning scoreless streak from Aug. 17 to Sept. 21. He also had a 14-inning scoreless streak from April 7 to May 25. Overall, he struck out 66 in 66 innings and walked only 19.

JASON MOTTE, 2011

Motte is 5-2 with a 2.25 ERA and nine saves in 78 games.

In July and August, he made a combined 29 appearances covering 22 innings and posted a 0.00 ERA.