Cardinals Reinforce Roster Ahead of Mariners Showdown
As the St. Louis Cardinals gear up for their quest for a fourth consecutive series victory, the team has made significant roster moves in anticipation of their clash against the Seattle Mariners. These changes come as the Cardinals intensify their pursuit of a postseason berth, now just 4.5 games behind the New York Mets for the final Wild Card spot with three weeks remaining in the season.
Roster Adjustments
In a flurry of activity, the Cardinals activated outfielder Alec Burleson from the injured list, a move that signifies their commitment to strengthening the lineup as they approach this critical juncture. Burleson, who has been sidelined due to wrist inflammation, adds a much-needed offensive boost to the team.
To make room for Burleson, the Cardinals have designated utility man Garrett Hampson for assignment. Hampson, who joined the Cardinals after being claimed off waivers from the Cincinnati Reds in late June, has found himself on his third major league team this season and fifth in the last two years. Despite his versatility, which has been his hallmark since debuting with the Colorado Rockies in 2018, Hampson’s inconsistent performance at the plate ultimately led to his departure.
Hampson’s Struggles
This season, Hampson’s offensive production has been far from stellar. Over 62 games across three teams, he has struggled to find his rhythm, posting a .143 batting average, a .250 on-base percentage, and a meager .169 slugging percentage, culminating in a .419 OPS. While he has managed to contribute with one RBI and three stolen bases, these numbers reflect a significant drop from the utility role he had hoped to fill.
Looking Ahead
With Hampson’s exit, the Cardinals have also promoted left-handed pitcher Nick Raquet for his major league debut, signaling their intent to bolster the pitching staff as they face the Mariners. The team also demoted Andre Granillo to Triple-A, further shaping the roster as they look to solidify their playoff aspirations.
As the Cardinals prepare to take on the Mariners, the pressure mounts. With their sights set firmly on the postseason, every roster decision carries weight. The team is determined to overcome the challenges of the season and make a late push for October baseball.
