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Cardinals Release Two-Time World Series Champion, Demote Top Prospect

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In the midst of another bad stretch, the St. Louis Cardinals announced four roster moves on Tuesday. Perhaps ahead of one last postseason push, the Cardinals reinstated Matt Carpenter from the injured list, recalled first baseman Luken Baker from Triple-A, optioned outfielder Jordan Walker to Triple-A, and released shortstop Brandon Crawford.

Cardinals Make Four Roster Moves, Swap Almost 40-Year-Olds and Prospects

Brandon Crawford

Crawford signed late in the offseason to provide backup and guidance to youngster Masyn Winn. In sporadic playing time, Crawford hit just .169/.263/.282 (53 OSP+) in 80 plate appearances. Despite his poor offense, Crawford’s veteran leadership has value. But with Winn excelling this season, there was little need for the Cardinals to use a roster spot on him down the stretch.

It’s unclear if the San Fransico Giants legend will call it a career after this. If he looks to keep playing, it’s possible a contending team could give him a tryout. The two-time World Series champion might provide postseason value as a backup infielder. For that to happen, the 37-year-old must join his new organization by the end of the month.

Matt Carpenter

Carpenter will rejoin the club after missing less than two weeks with a lower back strain. In 125 plate appearances this season, the veteran has hit .255/.331/.382 (99 OPS+) with a huge strikeout rate and around average walk rate.

The Cardinals signed him this offseason for hit power potential, even at age 38. With just three home runs, Carpenter has not provided the boost the organization expected. Perhaps he can get hot in the final weeks of the season and get the Cardinals back in the Wild Card race.

Jordan Walker

Walker joined the team when Carpenter landed on the injured list. However, the former top prospect received just 12 plate appearances before being sent back down. One might have thought St. Louis would keep Walker on the roster considering his upside and team’s struggles against southpaws.

Despite the logic in keeping him around, the Cardinals want Walker to develop more in the minors. The 22-year-old has hit .145/.228/.232 (30 OPS+) with zero homers in the majors this year. These struggles follow a solid, but somewhat disappointing rookie campaign last season for the former top prospect.

That said, Walker was excelling at Triple-A before his latest call-up. In his previous 16 games at Memphis, Walker hit .343/.400/.687 with five home runs and 12 total extra-base hits. The Cardinals would benefit from a right-handed slugger stepping up more than a lefty bat.

Luken Baker

The decision to demote Walker makes a little more sense with the promotion of Baker. Baker is a towering right-handed slugger with little left to prove in the majors. Though fans across the league want to see Walker in the majors, Baker could provide the right-handed power that the Cardinals need.

Baker struggled in a small sample size last year in the majors. And while he has hit just .237 at Triple-A this year, he has produced an OPS of .880 with a high walk rate and a solid strikeout percentage. This year also marks his second consecutive 30+ homer season at Triple-A.

The 27-year-old is a little too old to be considered a prospect at this point. But the Cardinals must find out if his power and approach at the plate can play in the majors. If he finishes the season strong, it could make the team’s decision to move on from a former MVP easier this offseason.

Main Photo Credits:  Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

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