Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports
When the St. Louis Cardinals sent down fifth outfielderShane Robinsonand recalledRandal Grichukfrom Triple-A prior to Monday’s game, there were questions about how much of a chance the 22-year-old Grichuk would get.Peter Bourjos, the righthanded-hitting half of the platoon, was less than a month into his Cardinals career after being part of a high-profile offseason trade, right fielderAllen Craigwas firmly entrenched into his position despite recent struggles at the plate, and left fielderMatt Hollidaywasn’t going anywhere. Despite the perceived lack of playing time to go around, however, the Cardinals have found consistent opportunities for Grichuk so far.
He made his debut on Monday night, first coming in to play right field as part of a double switch, and later moving over to center to replaceJon Jayin extra innings. Though he went 0-for-2 in that contest, Grichuk got his first career start on Tuesday, starting in center against Brewers righthanderKyle Lohse. He didn’t play exceptionally well, going 1-for-5 with a single and three strikeouts, but it was a big moment as he got his first hit out of the way. After coming in as a late-inning defensive replacement in left field on Wednesday, Grichuk now gets another opportunity in right, with Craig starting at first base in place ofMatt Adams.
Grichuk may not get a whole lot of time to prove himself, as top prospectOscar Taverasappears to be major-league ready and could get called up within the next couple weeks. With that said, Grichuk is getting every opportunity at the moment, and if he doesn’t establish himself as a reliable big-leaguer he has no one to blame but himself.
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