What Paul DeJong’s return means for the St. Louis Cardinals

Paul DeJong #11 of the St. Louis Cardinals in action against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on April 30, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
Paul DeJong #11 of the St. Louis Cardinals in action against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on April 30, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

Paul DeJong is back for the St. Louis Cardinals, which should boost the offense. But if he struggles, the team should explore upgrades.

The St. Louis Cardinals are dealing with injuries – a lot of them – and the direct result has been a dip in performance. They are 32-30 and 2-8 in their last 10 games, falling to third place and three games back in the National League Central.

Slowly but surely, however, the Cardinals are getting healthier. Starting shortstop Paul DeJong was activated off the injured list and is starting the first game of the series against the Chicago Cubs, with first baseman/outfielder John Nogowski being optioned to Triple-A Memphis.

DeJong, 27, was placed on the injured list on May 13 after suffering a left rib fracture. He was struggling before the injury, hitting .177/.277/.371 with seven home runs and 17 RBI, and was two for his last 20 prior to going on the IL. He should be better than that now that he’s back, considering his career slash line is .245/.316/.449, and an uptick in performance is exactly what a struggling Cardinals offense could use.

Despite adding Arenado to an offense that featured Paul Goldschmidt, the Cardinals rank 17th in runs (263). They are 19th in OPS (.696). And their team batting average of .232 ranks 21st in baseball, tied with the San Diego Padres and ahead of contending teams such as the Oakland A’s, Tampa Bay Rays and Milwaukee Brewers.

For the Cardinals to get better, they will need better performance across the board, and that starts with DeJong. He has moved down to the eighth spot in the batting order, with slugging outfielder Tyler O’Neill staying in the fifth spot, so that should help take the pressure off DeJong and allow him opportunities to succeed ahead of the pitcher’s spot.

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But if DeJong doesn’t bounce back, it’s entirely possible the Cardinals look to find an upgrade at the deadline. Trevor Story will likely be out of their price range. But there should be plenty of options for president of baseball John Mozeliak to explore.