#st_louis_cardinals

World Series champion John Smoltz warns baseball 'will suffer' if ABS system is applied to all pitches World Series champion John Smoltz, a Hall of Famer and eight-time All-Star, has expressed concerns about the future of Major League Baseball’s automated challenge system, known as the ABS system. In a recent interview with Fox News Digital, Smoltz, who played 21 seasons in the majors—including 20 with the Atlanta Braves—stated that while he supports the current two-challenge format, he fears the system could harm the game if expanded to all pitches. Smoltz, 59, praised the ABS system as a “big success” for MLB but emphasized his hope that it remains limited to the existing framework. “I like it. It has definitely changed the game and we’re going to have to have some kind of correct system. Meaning, I like it with two challenges only,” he said. He argued that the system’s current structure allows for strategic gameplay without overcomplicating the sport. “I’m begging and pleading that it never goes to a full-time system. Baseball will suffer and not be the same and it’ll be impossible to hit,” Smoltz added. The ABS system, which allows teams two challenges per game to verify whether a pitch was thrown outside the strike zone, has already altered how pitchers and hitters approach at-bats. Smoltz highlighted two key changes: a decline in swing rates and an increase in walk rates. According to Fangraphs, hitters swung at 47.5% of pitches last season but swung at 46.9% this season, while walk rates rose from 8.4% to 9.2%. Smoltz attributed these shifts to pitchers struggling to command the ball and hitters becoming more aware of pitch location. “The swing rate has gone down, the walk rates gone through the roof.#atlanta_braves #boston_red_sox #major_league_baseball #st_louis_cardinals #john_smoltz

St. Louis Cardinals Recall Right-Handed Pitcher Hunter Dobbins from Triple-A Memphis The St. Louis Cardinals made a roster adjustment on Sunday by recalling right-handed pitcher Hunter Dobbins from Triple-A Memphis and designating right-hander Matt Pushard for assignment. The move came as the team sought to bolster its bullpen, which had struggled to contain opponents over the past two games, having surrendered 10⅔ innings in that span. Dobbins, 28, was recalled after spending the majority of the season at Triple-A Memphis. The right-hander made his only start of the season on April 30 against the Pittsburgh Pirates, allowing three runs in 4⅓ innings. His performance this season at the minor league level has been notable, with a 3-0 record and a 3.43 ERA in nine starts. This marks a significant rebound from his rookie season with the Boston Red Sox in 2025, where he went 4-1 with a 4.13 ERA in 13 appearances, including 11 starts. Dobbins’ journey to the majors has been marked by injury setbacks. He suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) while pitching for Boston on July 11, 2025, which initially sidelined him for much of the season. After a lengthy recovery, he returned to action in Triple-A, where his recent form has positioned him as a potential key contributor for the Cardinals. The team’s decision to call him up suggests confidence in his ability to provide relief, particularly given the bullpen’s recent struggles. Pushard, the designated player, was selected by the Cardinals in the 2025 Rule 5 Draft from the Miami Marlins. The right-hander has struggled this season, posting a 5.14 ERA in six appearances. His most recent outing came Saturday night against the Chicago Cubs, where he allowed two runs (one earned) in 1⅔ innings.#miami_marlins #st_louis_cardinals #hunter_dobbins #triple_a_memphis #matt_pushard

Milwaukee Brewers vs St. Louis Cardinals Series Set for May 25-27 The Milwaukee Brewers and St. Louis Cardinals are set to face off in a three-game series at American Family Field starting on May 25, 2026. The matchup marks a significant moment in the National League Central Division, as both teams have emerged as key contenders in the race for the division title. The Brewers, currently leading the NL Central, have demonstrated strong performance against teams with winning records, posting an 18-8 record against such opponents. The Cardinals, meanwhile, have been one of the biggest surprises in the league’s first two months, with a 17-10 record against teams above .500 and a move into second place in the division. The series will feature a mix of offensive and pitching talent, with the Brewers looking to capitalize on their recent success against high-level competition. The Cardinals, led by breakout star Jordan Walker, have shown their ability to compete with elite teams. Walker’s season has been a standout, as he is hitting .302 with 15 home runs, 11 doubles, and seven stolen bases. The Cardinals’ team offense has also been formidable, with 60 home runs this season—26 more than the Brewers, who did not score after the second inning in any of the games against the Los Angeles Dodgers in a recent three-game series. Despite the Brewers’ struggles against the Dodgers, they have maintained a strong record against teams with winning records, including a 13-6 record in games started by Jacob Misiorowski and Kyle Harrison. The series will be broadcast on Brewers.TV, with specific channel numbers varying by provider.#milwaukee_brewers #st_louis_cardinals #american_family_field #jacob_misiorowski #jordan_walker

Nathan Church Shines with Two Home Runs for St. Louis in Fantasy Hitting Recap The St. Louis Cardinals’ young core delivered a standout performance on Saturday, with Nathan Church leading the charge in a 11-9 loss to the Seattle Mariners at Busch Stadium. The 25-year-old outfielder, a former UC Irvine product, went 2-for-4 with two home runs, two runs scored, and four RBI. This marked his fourth home run of the season and pushed his batting average to .254 with a .760 OPS in 70 plate appearances. Church’s contributions also included 11 runs scored, 12 RBI, and three stolen bases on three attempts, solidifying his role as a key player for the rebuilding Cardinals. Despite losing key veterans like Brendan Donovan, Willson Contreras, and Nolan Arenado this offseason, the Cardinals remain competitive with a 14-12 record. Church’s versatility as a player who can fill all three outfield positions adds value to his utility. His 92 MPH arm strength, ranking in the 91st percentile according to Baseball Savant, makes him a valuable asset for manager Oli Marmol. However, his offensive metrics raise questions about sustainability. Church’s 4.7% barrel rate and 34.9% hard-hit rate rank in the 24th percentile, while his 26.2% strikeout rate is in the 29th percentile. His 6.2% walk rate (22nd percentile) and 45% chase rate (second percentile) further highlight inconsistencies in his approach. Despite these concerns, Church’s recent performance has shown promise. In April, he’s hitting .277 with an .886 OPS in 54 plate appearances, a stark contrast to his .188 average and .376 OPS in March. His ability to launch the ball effectively, with a 34.9% launch-angle sweet-spot rate 1.6% higher than the league average, suggests potential for improvement. While his .#st_louis_cardinals #nathan_church #busch_stadium #baseball_savant #oli_marmol

Marlins Host Cardinals in Opening of 3-Game Series The Miami Marlins will open a three-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday at 6:40 p.m. EDT, marking the first matchup between the two teams this season. The Cardinals, currently 13-8 overall and second in the NL Central, face the Marlins, who are 10-12 and second in the NL East. The game will be broadcast with the Marlins as -134 favorites and the Cardinals at +113, with an over/under of 8.5 runs. The Marlins enter the series with a strong home record, posting an 8-5 mark at their stadium, but they have struggled on the road, with a 6-3 record in away games. Their overall performance has been mixed, with a 10-12 record. The Cardinals, meanwhile, have a solid road record, going 6-3 in games played outside St. Louis. Both teams have shown resilience in specific scenarios: the Marlins have a 6-3 record in games where they did not surrender a home run, while the Cardinals have a 9-3 record when they record at least eight hits. Pitching will be a key factor in the series. The Cardinals are expected to start Michael McGreevy, who has a 1-1 record with a 2.49 ERA, 0.83 WHIP, and 12 strikeouts. The Marlins will rely on Max Meyer, who is 1-0 with a 4.12 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, and 20 strikeouts. Both pitchers have shown the ability to dominate, but their contrasting ERAs highlight the potential for a high-scoring game. Top performers for the Marlins include Liam Hicks, who has three doubles and four home runs, and Otto Lopez, who has hit 13 of 38 balls in his last 10 games, including three doubles, a triple, two home runs, and six RBIs. For the Cardinals, Jordan Walker leads the team with 12 extra-base hits, including four doubles and eight home runs.#miami_marlins #st_louis_cardinals #max_meyer #michael_mcgreevy #liam_hicks

Guardians News and Notes: Rollin’ in St. Louis The Cleveland Guardians opened their series against the St. Louis Cardinals with a strong victory last night, setting the stage for a potential sweep in the upcoming games. The team’s performance highlighted key roster adjustments and strategic moves, as manager Eric Wedge navigated the challenges of integrating new players while maintaining the momentum of their recent success. The Guardians’ lineup saw significant changes ahead of the series, with the acquisition of right-handed reliever Kolby Allard and the return of left-handed utility player George Valera. Valera, who had been sidelined for much of the season, was reactivated from the injured list to replace CJ Kayfus, a player who had seen limited action. The decision to bring Valera back sparked speculation about his role in the lineup, particularly with the continued dominance of slugger Angel Martinez. Martinez, who has been a standout performer this season, is expected to remain a key contributor, though Valera’s versatility as a designated hitter could provide flexibility in the middle of the order. The trade for Allard, who was acquired in a deal that required the Guardians to DFA Hunter Gaddis, has drawn attention due to Allard’s potential impact on the bullpen. Gaddis, known for his high-velocity fastball, had averaged 95.1 mph in his outings, a figure that has raised questions about his readiness to return to the majors. However, the Guardians’ decision to move Gaddis suggests they are prioritizing depth and future upside over immediate contributions. Allard, on the other hand, has shown promise in his early appearances, with his fastball velocity trending upward and his control improving as he adapts to the majors.#st_louis_cardinals #cleveland_guardians #eric_wedge #kolby_allard #george_valera

Guardians Rally with Strong Offense to Defeat Cardinals in Comeback Win The Cleveland Guardians delivered a decisive response to their earlier struggles, overcoming a tough loss in Atlanta with a 9-3 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday night at Busch Stadium. The win marked a significant turnaround for the Guardians, who showcased a balanced offensive attack and a resilient pitching performance to secure the win. All nine starters reached base, seven players scored, and the lineup combined for 11 hits and five walks, highlighting the team’s ability to capitalize on opportunities. The game began with an immediate statement from Angel Martínez, who launched a 398-foot home run off Matthew Liberatore’s 1-2 curveball in the first inning. Manager Stephen Vogt praised the opening statement, calling it a “bang” that set the tone for the game. However, the Guardians’ starter, Gavin Williams, struggled initially, facing a 36-pitch first inning in which the Cardinals loaded the bases. Despite the pressure, Williams limited the damage to a single run, a critical moment that allowed the team to stay in the game. Vogt noted Williams’ ability to “lock it back in,” emphasizing the pitcher’s composure under pressure. Williams settled into a rhythm in the middle innings, working efficiently and preventing the Cardinals from gaining momentum. He completed five innings, allowing two runs on five hits with four strikeouts across 93 pitches, 62 of which were strikes. Williams credited his early strikes and aggressive approach to the zone, stating, “Just attacking the zone, trying to use as few pitches as possible and go as deep as I can.” His performance provided the foundation for the Guardians’ offensive surge.#st_louis_cardinals #cleveland_guardians #angel_martinez #stephen_vogt #busch_stadium

Milwaukee Brewers vs. Toronto Blue Jays: Series Preview The Milwaukee Brewers, after suffering a five-game losing streak following a sweep by the Nationals, are set to face the reigning American League Champions Toronto Blue Jays at American Family Field. This matchup marks a critical opportunity for the Brewers to rebound, as they aim to break their recent slump against a formidable AL opponent. The Blue Jays, meanwhile, are looking to capitalize on their home-field advantage despite a challenging start to the season. The Brewers enter the series with an 8-7 record, sharing third place in the NL Central with the St. Louis Cardinals. In contrast, the Blue Jays trail in the AL East, sitting at 6-9 and tied with the Boston Red Sox for last place. Toronto’s offensive struggles have been a major concern, as they’ve scored just 57 runs through 15 games—fewer than all AL teams except the Royals and White Sox. Their pitching staff has compounded the issue, allowing 82 runs for a -25-run differential, the second-worst mark in baseball. Injuries have further complicated both teams’ preparations. The Brewers have added Christian Yelich to their injured list, as the designated hitter/outfielder exited Sunday’s game with left hamstring tightness. Manager Pat Murphy indicated Yelich’s absence would be significant, with the player likely to miss the entire series. Other key contributors, such as Kyle Harrison and Brandon Sproat, are day-to-day with knee injuries, though their returns appear uncertain. The Brewers’ injured list also includes Quinn Priester (projected to return in May), Jackson Chourio (late April), Andrew Vaughn (mid-May), Rob Zastryzny (May), Craig Yoho (mid-April), and Jared Koenig (May).#toronto_blue_jays #milwaukee_brewers #st_louis_cardinals #american_family_field #american_league_champions

Yankees Designate Cade Winquest For Assignment The New York Yankees officially designated Rule 5 pick Cade Winquest for assignment on April 10, following the recall of right-handed pitcher Luis Gil. The move was reported by Jon Heyman of The New York Post on April 9, citing that Winquest, a 25-year-old right-handed reliever, did not appear in a game during his two-week stint in the team’s bullpen. The decision aligns with manager Aaron Boone’s plan to bring up Gil, who is set to start the team’s series opener against the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday. Boone indicated over the weekend that Gil would be recalled this week, with the 28-year-old listed as the probable starter opposite Steven Matz. The move was necessitated by the 13-pitcher limit, which required the Yankees to trim their roster from nine to eight relievers. Despite the need to reduce the bullpen, the team opted to retain key arms like Brent Headrick and Jake Bird, who have shown effectiveness in spring training. Fernando Cruz and Camilo Doval were the only other relievers with minor league options, leaving Winquest as the designated player to be sent down. Winquest’s spring performance was underwhelming, as he allowed nine runs (eight earned) with eight strikeouts and four walks across 10 innings. His struggles led to surprise that he broke camp with the Yankees, as the team did not find a scenario where Boone felt comfortable using him in regular-season games. Rule 5 picks are typically used as low-leverage relievers early in the season, and Winquest’s lack of trust from the manager contributed to his designation. The Yankees’ decision also reflects their strategy for the season, as they had previously run a four-man rotation due to their off-day schedule.#new_york_yankees #aaron_boone #st_louis_cardinals #luis_gil #cade_winquest

Jordan Walker's Solo Home Run Extends Cardinals' Lead in High-Stakes Game April 8, 2026 marked a pivotal moment in the St. Louis Cardinals' season as Jordan Walker delivered a standout performance with a solo home run that shifted the momentum of the game. The hit, which occurred in the top of the fifth inning, extended the Cardinals' lead to 3-1 and underscored Walker’s growing impact as a key offensive threat for the team. The game, played at Busch Stadium, saw Walker’s power display not only in the outcome but also in the precise mechanics of the swing that produced the hit. The home run, a towering shot to center field, was the result of a well-executed pitch from the opposing team’s hurler. According to the game’s detailed tracking data, the pitch was a slider thrown at a speed of 85.2 mph, with a spin rate of 2,565 revolutions per minute. The slider’s movement and velocity created a challenging situation for the batter, yet Walker managed to connect with the ball with remarkable precision. The exit velocity of the hit reached an impressive 107.8 mph, a testament to the power and timing behind the swing. The ball traveled an estimated 404 feet before clearing the fence, a distance that highlighted the sheer force of Walker’s contact. This home run was not just a moment of individual brilliance but also a critical turning point in the game’s narrative. With the Cardinals leading 3-1, the hit solidified their advantage and provided a psychological edge as the game progressed. The solo home run, which did not involve any runners on base, was a clean, unobstructed opportunity for Walker to showcase his ability to deliver in high-pressure situations.#st_louis_cardinals #jordan_walker #busch_stadium #april_8_2026 #slider_pitch

Washington Nationals Seek Stability in Three-Game Series Against Cardinals The Washington Nationals faced a significant setback as they lost their fifth consecutive game to the Los Angeles Dodgers, despite their offense managing to score at least five runs in each of their last four contests. The defeat, which occurred on April 6, 2026, marked a turning point in the team’s season, as they now find themselves in a precarious position after a promising 3-1 start to the year. The loss came in a tightly contested game that saw the Nationals take an early lead but ultimately falter under pressure, allowing the Dodgers to secure a 8-6 victory and complete a series sweep in Washington. The game began with the Nationals in control, building a 6-1 lead in the sixth inning thanks to a combination of clutch hits and home runs. Luis Garcia Jr. contributed a two-run home run, while Keibert Ruiz’s single, which ricocheted off the first base bag, allowed CJ Abrams to score. James Wood then added a three-run laser beam to the scoreboard, putting the Nationals in a strong position. However, the momentum shifted dramatically in the eighth inning when Cionel Perez allowed the first five hitters to reach base, leading to a run before he was replaced by Clayton Beeter. Beeter managed to end the inning with a force out, a sacrifice fly, and a strikeout, but not before two additional runs scored, making it 7-6 in favor of the Dodgers. The game concluded with the Dodgers adding an insurance run in the ninth inning via a solo home run from Teoscar Hernandez, securing their victory. The loss exposed critical flaws in the Nationals’ pitching staff, which ranks last in the league with an ERA of 6.69 and a collective -1.1 fWAR. The bullpen, ranked 26th with a 5.#washington_nationals #los_angeles_dodgers #teoscar_hernandez #st_louis_cardinals #clayton_beeter

Jordan Walker’s 100.6 mph throw to record an out at home plate against the Tigers highlights his rapid development as a defensive asset for the Cardinals Jordan Walker’s standout performance in the third inning of a scoreless game against the Tigers showcased his growing prowess as a right fielder for the St. Louis Cardinals. The 23-year-old’s laser-like throw to nail Detroit’s Javier Báez at home plate, clocked at 100.6 mph, marked the fastest recorded assist by a Cardinal in the Statcast era and the hardest-tracked throw for an assist in MLB this season. The play occurred after Tigers shortstop Gleyber Torres hit a hard line drive to the right-field grass, with Báez breaking for home with two outs. Walker fielded the ball off the hop and fired a 244-foot throw to Iván Herrera at the plate, securing the out. Manager Oliver Marmol praised the play, calling it a “refreshing shift in demeanor” for Walker, who had faced growing pains in his early MLB career. Walker’s defensive transformation has been a key focus for the Cardinals, particularly after his struggles in 2024. Transitioning from third base to the outfield late in the 2022 season at Double-A, Walker spent limited time in the minors before being tested daily at the Major League level. His rookie season defensively was marked by a -13 OAA (outfield assists minus errors), ranking third worst among MLB outfielders. However, a renewed confidence in his abilities has driven his improvement. “Honestly, I just trust myself a little bit more,” Walker told reporters last season, crediting outfield coach Jon Jay for emphasizing the importance of trusting his first step. This mindset shift has allowed him to adjust quickly to difficult plays, such as a line drive from Zack McKinstry in the sixth inning that knuckled on him.#st_louis_cardinals #jordan_walker #javier_baez #gleyber_torres #oliver_marmol

Jason Heyward Announces Retirement After 16 seasons in Major League Baseball, Jason Heyward has officially retired, marking the end of a career defined by defensive excellence, leadership, and resilience. In a statement, Heyward expressed gratitude for his time in the game, emphasizing his pride in contributing to the sport and looking forward to mentoring young players and engaging as a fan. “I’m glad and happy to be stepping to the other side of the game,” he said. “I feel like the game is in good hands.” Heyward’s journey began with a standout rookie season, where he hit .277/.393/.456 and became a key offensive force in his home state. However, his early career was shaped by trade and contract decisions. In 2015, the Atlanta Braves sent him to the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for right-hander Shelby Miller, a move that proved beneficial for both teams. Heyward thrived in St. Louis, posting a .293/.359/.439 slash line with elite defensive play, earning a Gold Glove and rejecting a qualifying offer. The Cardinals secured a compensatory draft pick, while the Braves reaped an All-Star season from Miller before trading him to the Arizona Diamondbacks. Heyward’s next major chapter unfolded with the Chicago Cubs, where he signed an eight-year, $184 million contract in 2017—the largest in franchise history. Despite his iconic rain delay speech during the 2016 World Series, his performance with the Cubs fell short of expectations. He hit .230/.306/.325 in his first season and, while his 2018-20 numbers (.261/.347/.419) were solid, the Cubs released him after the seventh year of his contract. He won two Gold Gloves in Chicago but struggled offensively, posting a .245/.323/.377 line in 2,836 plate appearances. A 2023 trade to the Los Angeles Dodgers provided a resurgence, as Heyward slashed .269/.#chicago_cubs #atlanta_braves #los_angeles_dodgers #st_louis_cardinals #jason_heyward

The Tampa Bay Rays have unveiled their Opening Day lineup for the 2026 season, featuring several unexpected choices that deviate from initial expectations. Manager Kevin Cash has opted for a left-handed pitcher to start the game, marking a notable shift from the anticipated rotation. This decision is partly due to the absence of first-round draft pick Matthew Liberatore, who was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals in the January 2020 deal for Randy Arozarena. Liberatore, now with the Cardinals, will make his first Opening Day start, facing off against Drew Rasmussen, who also earns his first start of the season. The Rays’ lineup against the Cardinals’ southpaw includes Jonathan Aranda at first base and Cedric Mullins II in center field. Mullins, a 31-year-old veteran, has been selected over in-house starter Jonny DeLuca, who has struggled with injuries. Mullins’ performance last season, with a -14 Defensive Runs Saved rating in 120 games started, contrasts with DeLuca’s 1 DRS in 14 starts. The Rays’ decision to prioritize Mullins highlights their confidence in his defensive capabilities. Ryan Vilade, a utility defender, is also included in the starting lineup, with the 27-year-old journeyman batting second. Despite a modest .179 wOBA in 71 career plate appearances, Vilade’s strong Triple-A performance in 2025 (135 wRC+ across two organizations) has earned the Rays’ trust. The team’s faith in his bat is evident in his placement in the lineup. The game is set for a 4:15 p.m. start, with the Rays’ strategic choices reflecting both their roster adjustments and confidence in key players. The lineup underscores the team’s focus on balancing experience with emerging talent, as they prepare for the 2026 season.#st_louis_cardinals #tampa_bay_rays #kevin_cash #jonathan_aranda #cedric_mullins_ii

Yankees officially sign 212-HR outfielder for Opening Day The New York Yankees have finalized a deal to add Randal Grichuk to their roster for the 2025 season, securing his place on the active squad for the team’s season-opening game against the San Francisco Giants. The 34-year-old outfielder, who was previously signed as a non-roster invite for Spring Training, has now been placed on a major league contract worth $2.5 million. The move was anticipated but now officially confirmed, ensuring Grichuk will be available for the Opening Day matchup. Grichuk’s signing is viewed as a strategic addition for the Yankees, who have evaluated his performance during Spring Training and believe he can contribute meaningfully. His ability to hit against left-handed pitchers stands out, particularly on a team with a strong lineup that often faces right-handed starters. Over his career, Grichuk has posted an .819 OPS against left-handed hurlers, a skill that could provide value in specific matchups. The outfielder has a storied career spanning multiple teams, including stints with the St. Louis Cardinals, Toronto Blue Jays, Colorado Rockies, Los Angeles Angels, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Kansas City Royals. He split the 2025 season between the Diamondbacks and Royals, posting a .228 batting average with nine home runs in 113 games. Despite his age, Grichuk remains a consistent hitter, having amassed 212 career home runs. One notable aspect of his career is his draft history. In the 2009 MLB Draft, the Los Angeles Angels selected him with the 24th overall pick, just one spot ahead of future star Mike Trout, who was taken at 25. This early recognition of his talent highlights his potential as a standout player.#new_york_yankees #san_francisco_giants #st_louis_cardinals #randal_grichuk #los_angeles_angels

Top Cardinals Prospect JJ Wetherholt Makes Opening Day Roster JJ Wetherholt, the Cardinals’ seventh-round pick in the 2024 amateur draft, has secured a spot on the team’s opening day roster for the 2025 season. Cardinals director of baseball operations Chaim Bloom confirmed the decision during a Monday press conference, stating that Wetherholt will join the major league squad for the season opener against the Tampa Bay Rays. The 23-year-old shortstop, who played for West Virginia in college, spent the spring training season with the St. Louis Cardinals. During that time, he posted a batting average of .212, with two home runs and seven RBIs. Bloom highlighted Wetherholt’s potential, emphasizing his readiness to contribute at the major league level. Wetherholt’s recent performance in 2025 further solidified his case for the roster. Across 138 games split between Double-A and Triple-A, he combined for a .306 batting average, 19 home runs, 79 RBIs, and 23 stolen bases. His offensive production, particularly his power and speed, has drawn attention from scouts and coaches alike. Bloom also announced that the Cardinals will bring infielders Jose Fermin and Thomas Saggese, along with outfielder Nathan Church, to St. Louis for the season opener. The moves reflect the team’s strategy to bolster its roster with young talent ahead of the 2025 campaign. The Cardinals’ decision to include Wetherholt on the opening day roster signals confidence in his ability to adapt to the majors. While he will need to prove himself in the big leagues, his track record of success at the minor league level positions him as a key player for the team’s future. As the season approaches, fans will be watching closely to see how Wetherholt performs in his debut.#west_virginia #jj_wetherholt #st_louis_cardinals #chaim_bloom #tampa_bay_rays

JJ Wetherholt To Make Cardinals’ Opening Day Roster Infield prospect JJ Wetherholt has secured a spot on the St. Louis Cardinals’ Opening Day roster, according to team president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom, who shared the news with reporters. The 2024 draft seventh overall pick will join the club’s 40-man roster, with infielders Thomas Saggese and José Fermín, as well as outfielder Nathan Church, also breaking camp with the team. Outfielder Nelson Velázquez, however, will be assigned to Triple-A Memphis to make room for Wetherholt. The Cardinals’ decision to include Wetherholt was anticipated but significant given the team’s rebuilding phase. Over the winter, the club traded key players like Willson Contreras, Nolan Arenado, and Brendan Donovan to clear roster space and create opportunities for younger talent. These moves were driven by both cost-cutting and the need to evaluate prospects in a major league environment. Wetherholt, a high-ceiling player, was a central figure in this strategy. Wetherholt’s 2025 season showcased his potential. Splitting time between Double-A and Triple-A, he recorded 496 plate appearances with a .306/.421/.510 batting line (154 wRC+) and 23 stolen bases. His 14.5% walk rate and 14.7% strikeout rate highlighted his plate discipline and power potential. Defensively, his shortstop skills were deemed sufficient for a big league role, though he also played second and third base. Despite his performance, Wetherholt faced competition for playing time. Masyn Winn, a top defensive shortstop under contract through 2028, occupied the shortstop position, while Nolan Gorman was expected to take over at third base. Wetherholt’s primary opportunity came at second base, where he hit .212/.386/.394 (115 wRC+) in spring training, including two home runs. His .#jj_wetherholt #st_louis_cardinals #chaim_bloom #nathan_church #tommy_john_surgery