(Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
The St. Louis Cardinals‘ top prospect Jordan Walker was called back up from Triple-A Memphis before the weekend series with the Pirates. To make room on the 26 man roster Lars Nootbaar was placed on the injured list with a lower back contusion.
Top Prospect Makes Opening Day Roster
Walker made a strong showing in spring training this year. Seemingly hitting everything in sight. After such a strong performance, the Cardinals’ front office decided to pencil him in as the opening day starter in right field.
The pressure of being the organization’s top prospect didn’t seem to bother him at all. The 21 year old rookie seemed poised and relaxed. Soaking in the thrill of being in St. Louis for the opening day celebration. A celebration that is like no other in major league baseball.
Walker Starts Career With Historic Start
Seemingly unbothered by the spotlight that comes with being an organization’s top prospect, Walker got off to a historic start. He began his career with a record tying twelve game hit streak. Unfortunately, some holes in his game were also exposed.
Sent Back to Memphis
In Walker’s first 22 games he has put up a .272/.322/.383 slash line. The slugging isn’t where management would like it to be. His batting average is fine but due to a high ground ball rate he hasn’t been driving the ball as hoped. Furthermore, his defense was exposed. Drafted as a third baseman he has had to transition to the outfield. He still needs work on his outfield defense. Undoubtedly it will improve with time. Time most young players get in the minors, out of the spotlight. Walker’s bat is ready before his defense. Patience will be needed as far as that’s concerned.
Walker’s numbers weren’t great when he returned to Memphis but once he stopped over thinking at the plate and relaxed, his numbers improved greatly. In his last ten games at Memphis he put up a .333 average with four runs, three doubles, two homeruns and eight runs batted in. He also had five multi hit games. The Cardinals’ top prospect probably could have used some more time but injuries forced the front office’s hand and they had no choice but but to bring him back up.
Is The Cardinals’ Top Prospect Here to Stay This Time?
Only time will tell if Walker can stay up for good this time around. At the start of the season the Cardinals had a logjam in the outfield. This is no longer the case due to injuries. The entire projected starting outfield is on the IL right now. This has forced the team to regularly deploy Tommy Edman and Brendan Donovan in the outfield rather than at their natural middle infield positions.
The starting corner outfield positions are up for grabs. The organization and fans hope that Jordan Walker will step up, take the job and never look back. The young slugger is more than capable and now is his time to shine.
