Top pick JJ Wetherholt inexplicably missing from Cardinals' recent game rosters
St. Louis Cardinals' Top Prospect JJ Wetherholt Set to Return to Memphis Redbirds Lineup
After a brief absence, St. Louis Cardinals' top prospect JJ Wetherholt is expected to return to the Memphis Redbirds lineup next week. Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reported that Wetherholt's absences are likely over.
Wetherholt, the organization's first-round pick in 2024, started the year with the Cardinals' Double-A affiliate in Springfield. In 62 games with Springfield, he showed impressive numbers, slashing .300/.425/.466 with 7 home runs, 34 RBIs, and 14 stolen bases. He walked 44 times, more than he struck out (40 times).
Following his impressive performance in Springfield, Wetherholt was promoted to Triple-A Memphis. However, his performance in Memphis has been a bit of a struggle, with 27 strikeouts and 22 walks in 38 games. Despite this, he has managed to maintain a solid .322/.418/.597 slash line, hitting 9 home runs, 12 doubles, and 7 stolen bases.
The reasons for Wetherholt's absence have remained undisclosed, with a source quoted by Jones indicating that there is "nothing to share." Jones added in a thread on his post that Wetherholt might be getting some extra rest due to regular season wear and tear.
The Cardinals have been quiet regarding injuries to their prospects all year. The severity of injuries to left-handed pitcher Cooper Hjerpe and Tink Hence early in the year remained undisclosed.
The probable return of JJ Wetherholt to the lineup on Tuesday will be a welcome sight for fans. His last at-bat before his absence was on September 3rd against the Rochester Red Wings. Wetherholt's return could provide a boost to the Memphis Redbirds as they head into the final stretch of the season.
Tekoah Roby, another promising prospect, recently underwent Tommy John surgery. The recovery timeline for such a surgery typically takes 12 to 18 months, but Roby is expected to make a full recovery.
As the season winds down, the Cardinals and their fans will be eagerly awaiting the return of JJ Wetherholt and Tekoah Roby, hoping they will contribute to the team's success in the future.
