As the Cardinals scour waivers for relief candidates to increase depth and add options to their bullpen, stats are only part of the equation.

They are in the business of accumulating stuff.

Right-hander Jorge Alcala, the Cardinals’ latest waiver claim since the trade deadline, was expected to arrive in St. Louis late Saturday night, and he’ll be activated ahead of Sunday evening’s game against the Cubs at Busch Stadium. Alcala has pitched this season for Minnesota and Boston, and through 41 games he has a 6.64 ERA and more hits allowed (40) than innings pitched (40 2/3). What he is beneath the surface stats is the stuff the Cardinals crave and now have the time and opportunity to see if they can unlock.

Alcala, 30, has a fastball that averages 97.2 mph, a sinker that dives at 96.7 mph,

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