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2 Cardinals who need more reps, 1 player who doesn't
The St. Louis Cardinals have started the season 4-4, and while several injuries are holding some players back, some are getting opportunities to shine. But, some players are getting opportunities that should be cut short.
Tommy Edman, Sonny Gray, and Lars Nootbaar are battling injuries to get back into shape and be ready to join their teammates in St. Louis. Matt Carpenter, who suffered another oblique injury this week, has joined the injured list. Willson Contreras and Brendan Donovan were each held out of the home opener after getting hit by pitches in the final game of the team's series with San Diego.
Nootbaar and Gray could be back with the Cardinals soon, but Edman's status indicates that more healing is needed. Contreras and Donovan hopefully just needed the day off out of an abundance of caution. Their defense and bats are required as soon as possible.
Let's discuss who needs some more reps to keep helping the Cardinals and who may need to step back from getting so much work in.
Victor Scott II needs to continue to get reps with the Cardinals, not be sent down to Triple-A
Dylan Carlson was preparing to begin the 2024 season as the Cardinals' everyday centerfield. Unfortunately, on the last day of camp, he suffered a shoulder injury, paving the way for Victor Scott II to make his MLB debut.
Without a doubt, Scott has been exciting to see at the plate. When he gets on base, seeing what he will do with his speed is fun. Will he steal a base or leg out a play to extend the inning or score a run? His defense has been excellent in centerfield, and he has made some spectacular diving catches. He has a terrible slash line at .100/.182/.167, but he has two walks, three hits, two of which are doubles, and one stolen base through eight games.
Making dad proud! ❤️#ForTheLou pic.twitter.com/ZUEWQUdha8
— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) April 1, 2024
Scott could be the first one out upon the return of some of the injured. Scott should not be sent back to AAA Memphis. The Cardinals and Scott could both benefit from him sticking around. With his exciting presence and the team's apparent need for everything Scott has to over, it would be a mistake to send him to the minors so soon.
If Contreras remains healthy and Nootbaar is ready to return, Michael Siani or Pedro Pages should return to AAA Memphis
Zack Thompson no longer needs reps as a starter for the Cardinals
Thompson earned the opportunity in Spring Training to fill in as a starter in the absence of Sonny Gray, who suffered a right hamstring injury. He has spent several weeks healing and rehabilitating to be ready. While he's ready to go now, John Mozeliak, president of baseball operations, wants him to have a start with AAA Memphis before giving him the green light to pitch for St. Louis.
Meanwhile, Thompson has had two starts with the Cardinals and is now 0-2 on the season. He's pitched for 10.1 innings, giving up 11 hits and eight runs, including four home runs. He's walked six batters while striking out nine.
Thompson's next start is slated for April 9 against the Phillies. This is the date Gray is supposed to pitch for Memphis. While Gray will be asked to complete the minor league assignment, the Cardinals should consider a starter other than Thompson. That could be Matthew Liberatore, Andre Pallante, or one of the arms gearing up in Memphis.
Thompson should be moved to a relief role as either a long or situational relief option.
Thompson has developed his forkball this season. It has been his putaway pitch. The pitch has averaged 83.7 mph, with 34.4 inches of vertical drop. It would be awesome to see him perfect this pitch and make it a weapon for the Cardinals out of the bullpen.
Masyn Winn needs more reps with the Cardinals
While Winn is seen as a risky option, he's also one of the more fun options the Cardinals have. One of the top rookie prospects in the organization, Winn has tremendous arm strength and is speedy around the base path.
The St. Louis home opener crowd saw how dynamic Winn can be when the youngster capped off a scoring surge in the seventh inning by knocking a triple.
Triples is best!!#ForTheLou pic.twitter.com/xbntLICcFZ
— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) April 4, 2024
Winn drove in Alec Burleson, making the score 8-5, which was the final score on Thursday.
In addition to his speed, he has a cannon for an arm and can pull off some fantastic grabs at shortstop. The Cardinals brought in Brandon Crawford to help Winn out for leadership purposes. Tommy Edman was considered an option at shortstop to help Winn before his injury. But, Winn has taken in Crawford's advice and the guidance of Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith and is looking good on the field. It would be best to allow Winn to continue his development with St. Louis. Winn's services are needed more in St. Louis. He's done everything to prove himself at Memphis.
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