What's Happening?
Jimmy Crooks, a catcher for the St. Louis Cardinals, is not in the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Seattle Mariners. Crooks, who was expected to take over as the primary catcher for the Cardinals, has struggled with a 2-for-17 start to his MLB career. As a result, he will miss his third start in four games, with Pedro Pages taking his place behind the plate. The Cardinals are likely to split time between Crooks and Pages as they approach the end of the regular season.
Why It's Important?
Jimmy Crooks' absence from the lineup highlights the challenges faced by rookie players in establishing themselves in Major League Baseball. His early struggles have led to a rotation at the catcher position, impacting the Cardinals' strategy and game management. The decision to alternate between Crooks and Pages reflects the team's need to balance player development with competitive performance. Crooks' performance in the remaining games will be crucial for his future role with the Cardinals and his career trajectory.