What's Happening?
The St. Louis Cardinals are being urged to call up their top prospect, JJ Wetherholt, as the team faces challenges in their infield lineup. Wetherholt, a 22-year-old shortstop, has demonstrated exceptional performance in Triple-A, with a .328/.413/.648 slash line, 10 doubles, and nine home runs in 31 games. The Cardinals are currently 5.5 games out of the National League's third Wild Card spot, with key infielders like Nolan Arenado and Brendan Donovan on the injured list. Wetherholt's versatility in playing second base, shortstop, and third base could address the team's immediate needs and boost their playoff chances.
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Why It's Important?
Promoting Wetherholt could provide the Cardinals with a much-needed boost in their lineup, addressing both offensive and defensive gaps. His impressive performance in Triple-A suggests he is ready to contribute at the major league level. With the team struggling in the Wild Card race and facing injuries, Wetherholt's call-up could be a strategic move to enhance their competitiveness. The decision also reflects broader organizational changes, as the Cardinals aim to revitalize their player development and fan engagement.
What's Next?
The Cardinals are expected to evaluate their roster needs and consider Wetherholt's promotion as they face upcoming games against the Pittsburgh Pirates and Cincinnati Reds. The team's management will likely assess the impact of his potential call-up on their playoff aspirations and make decisions to optimize their lineup. The Cardinals' performance in these games will be crucial in determining their playoff trajectory.
