What's Happening?
JJ Wetherholt, a promising prospect for the St. Louis Cardinals, has been making waves at the Triple-A level. After being selected in the 2024 MLB Draft, Wetherholt was initially assigned to Double-A but was promoted to Triple-A in early July. His performance has been impressive, with a batting average of .295, an on-base percentage of .387, and a slugging percentage of .638. He has accumulated seven doubles, nine home runs, 17 RBIs, and three stolen bases in 27 games. MLB Network host Greg Amsinger has publicly urged the Cardinals to call up Wetherholt, citing his potential to provide a much-needed boost to the team, especially with current injuries affecting the roster.
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Why It's Important?
The call to promote JJ Wetherholt comes at a crucial time for the Cardinals, who are hovering around a .500 record and in need of a spark to improve their standings. Wetherholt's potential contribution could be significant, offering power from the left side and filling gaps due to injuries, such as Brendan Donovan's hamstring issue. Bringing up Wetherholt could also help the Cardinals maintain control over his rookie status, allowing them to manage his development strategically. This move could impact the team's performance in the short term and influence their roster decisions in the long term.
What's Next?
The Cardinals face a decision on whether to call up Wetherholt for a September debut, a common practice to give prospects exposure to major league play. This decision will involve weighing the benefits of immediate team improvement against the risks of injury and the strategic management of Wetherholt's rookie status. The team's actions will be closely watched by fans and analysts, as they could shape the Cardinals' approach to player development and roster management.
