The St. Louis Cardinals announced Sunday that rookie infielder JJ Wetherholt will miss at least ten days after being diagnosed with right wrist tendinitis. The 23‑year‑old was placed on the injured list, opening a roster spot that the club filled by recalling 27‑year‑old infielder Cesar Prieto from Triple‑A Memphis.
Wetherholt, a left‑handed hitter who was selected seventh overall in the 2024 MLB Draft, went 0‑for‑4 in the Cardinals’ 6‑2 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday. The young player had managed just one hit in his last 12 at‑bats before the injury forced the move.
Since signing an eight‑year, $112.5 million contract extension in July, Wetherholt has posted a .242 batting average with 17 home runs and 48 RBIs over 130 games this season. He entered the major leagues after a standout college career at West Virginia and a brief but impressive stint in Double‑A, where he earned Texas League MVP honors despite playing only 62 games.
Prieto, who spent the 2025 season with the Redbirds in Memphis, returns to the big‑league roster after a difficult spell with the Cardinals earlier this year, where he went 2‑for‑31 at the plate. In Triple‑A, Prieto was hitting .308 with 12 homers and 43 RBIs in 79 games, showing the power and consistency the club hopes will translate at the major‑league level.
Impact on the Cardinals’ lineup
With Wetherholt sidelined, St. Louis will likely shift its infield configuration, giving Prieto an opportunity to earn regular playing time at second base or shortstop. Manager Oliver Marmol has emphasized the importance of depth and flexibility, noting that the team’s recent injuries have tested its bench depth.
Cardinals fans will be watching closely to see how Prieto adapts to the major‑league pace. His strong performance in Memphis suggests he could provide a spark in the middle of the infield, especially as the club navigates a stretch of games against division rivals.
Looking ahead
The Cardinals are scheduled to face the Chicago Cubs next, a series that could prove pivotal for both the team’s standings and Prieto’s chance to cement a regular role. Meanwhile, the front office will monitor Wetherholt’s recovery closely, hoping the wrist inflammation subsides quickly so the rookie can return to contribute his power‑hitting potential.
St. Louis remains optimistic that the roster adjustments will keep the team competitive in the National League Central, even as they manage the inevitable setbacks that come with a long baseball season.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
