In August, the rookie outfielder began to show indications of development at Memphis. Now, his progress has stalled.
After veteran infielder Matt Carpenter was placed on the injured list on Monday, former top prospect Jordan Walker was called up. The rookie outfielder had a fantastic August in Triple-A Memphis for a week and a half, and his progress was rewarded with a promotion to the big league squad. The St. Louis Cardinals hoped Walker could hit against left-handed pitchers.
On Tuesday, Walker started in right field against the Cincinnati Reds. The Reds were starting left-hander Andrew Abbott, so it made sense to put Walker, a righty, in the order. Walker went 0-3 with a walk and a strikeout in his return to the majors.
Jordan Walker has yet to make an appearance in the last two games.
The Reds have used two right-handed starters in the last two days, but if the Cardinals truly believe Walker has made an adjustment with his swing and want him to continue making improvements offensively, they must play him as often as possible. Playing their former top prospect and potential offensive star as a platoon bat does not aid his development. If anything, it sets Jordan Walker back in his progress.
Manager Oliver Marmol talked on Jordan Walker’s elevation prior to Wednesday’s game, which saw Jordan start on the bench. Marmol stated, “The major league squad needs a right-handed bat. Yes, we know it’s only Clayton Kershaw, and Milwaukee’s starters are mostly right-handed, so we were aware of it when we made our decision, but there are also left-handed relievers (against whom Walker may bat).
Essentially, the Cardinals promoted Jordan Walker to pinch hit against left-handed pitchers late in games. While he will most likely be used as a starter against lefties, the squad rarely sees lefties open games, as opposed to righties.
The organization’s roster decisions this year have been questionable at best, but promoting their former top prospect to bench bat when he had found his stride in Memphis stands out above the rest.
