4 more Spring Training standouts for the St. Louis Cardinals
The Cardinals have had a productive Spring Training so far. Who is standing out for the Cardinals?
Jordan Walker has been the talk of St. Louis Cardinals Spring Training so far. With his speed, power, and youth, he's been a joy to watch. After a sliding play Saturday, Walker was removed from the game with right shoulder soreness. While he should be okay, with the World Baseball Classic underway, this gives others a chance to show off their worth to the club.
The Cardinals have a majority of the starting lineup and some of the starting rotation in the WBC over the next couple of weeks. It will give some players on the bench or in the minor leagues a chance to show manager Oli Marmol and the organization what they've got and better their chances of rising in the ranks.
Let's take a look at some more players who are standing out this Spring Training.
Juan Yepez, 1B and DH
Juan Yepez, 25, was put on the back burner last season with the acquisition of Albert Pujols. Yepez used the year with Pujols to learn from arguably the best right-handed hitter ever. This season he will be working to be a backup fielder and designated hitter. He could earn an everyday role.
Monday's game against the Astros made a good case for Yepez. In the second inning, Yepez hit a single to right field off Ty Buttrey, scoring Victor Scott II and Masyn Winn. In 10 games, he's hitting .286/.333/.464 with an OPS of .798 with two doubles, one home run, and eight RBI. Considering the track he is on, he will likely get more playing time.
Last season, Yepez hit .253/.296/..447 with an OPS of .742, 12 home runs, and 30 RBI. He also had some injuries that slowed the momentum he could have gained to earn more time. If Yepez can build momentum and stay healthy, he could have a great season.
Nolan Gorman, 2B
Gorman had a disappointing final month of his 2022 season. He dedicated his offseason to reworking his swing. Gorman's dedication seems to have paid off.
Even as Brendan Donovan is having an amazing spring, Gorman is still getting opportunities to get in the lineup. He's hitting .242/.375/.419 with an OPS of .733. In nine games, he's had six hits, two home runs, and five RBI. He's walked four times. Unfortunately, he has struck out nine times.
Gorman is showing improvement from last season and that's exciting. With more work this spring, it will be fun to see him hit the way we've hoped to see.
Dylan Carlson, OF
Dylan Carlson has worked to gain muscle mass this offseason to deal with lingering injuries. He remains lean and has dealt with some fatigue. It's ultimately coming together for him, though. Carlson has been getting into the lineup and finding success.
In eight games this spring, he's had five hits including a double and two home runs. He's had seven RBI. He's hitting .252/.326/.408 with an OPS of .734.
If he can improve at the plate and continue his tremendous defense in the outfield, it will be great for the team as so much has been expected from the young man. Here's hoping Carlson is on the right track to success.
Jack Flaherty, SP
This is a big season for Flaherty. He will want to perform to the best of his ability to help his team, and Adam Wainwright competes for a championship in his final season. The better he performs, the better his shot of getting a big contract when he hits free agency after this season.
He could become a Cardinal for a very long time if he's able to perform as has been hoped.
After returning from injuries over the last few seasons, Flaherty is taking his time to make sure he's 100% good to go to take the mound.
Flaherty's first start this spring was good. He pitched three innings, and only give up one hit which was, unfortunately, a home run. But he was able to strike out five batters after that which is exactly what the Cardinals need - an innings-eating, strike thrower.
While it's frustrating, I appreciate Flaherty taking his time and ensuring he's ready. Watching him struggle through the last couple of seasons, not at 100%, has been frustrating.
Here's hoping we get the Flaherty we've been expecting this season, and it earns him a contract making him a Cardinal for life. A fan can hope, anyway.