Just one day after acquiringRuben Tejada, the Cardinals have jettisoned their previous presumptive starting shortstop.
On Saturday, the St. Louis Cardinals signed former New York Mets shortstop Ruben Tejada, throwing him into the competition to replaceJhonny Peraltawhile the injured 33-year-old recovers from a thumb injury. On Sunday, they optioned the player who seemed to be the previous leader in the clubhouse for that competition, 25-year-oldAledmys Diaz, to Triple-A, effectively ending his bid for an Opening Day roster spot. InfielderDean Annawas also optioned to Triple-A, while catcherCarson Kellyand pitchersAustin Gomber,Jeremy Hefner, andDeck McGuirewere reassigned to minor-league camp.
While Diaz never got the outright endorsement of GM John Mozeliak or managerMike Matheny–obviously for good reason–most people who closely follow the team seemed to expect that he would prevail overJedd Gyorko, who has played just 29 games professionally as a shortstop, in the competition for the big-league starting role. Though Diaz had a respectable 9-for-34 (.265) at the plate this spring, collecting a walk, three doubles, and five RBI, the Cardinals apparently feel that he’s not yet ready for primetime. That’s certainly understandable for Diaz, who went just 3-for-18 (.167) after a 4-for-4 performance on March 8. Diaz hit just .230 before the All-Star break in Double-A last year, and he really has just half a minor-league season to prove that he’s a viable offensive performer.
With Diaz and Anna, who got one big-league at-bat in 2015, removed from consideration for the Opening Day roster, it means that the race for the last bench spot is likely down to either infielderGreg Garciaor an extra outfielder. Late-blooming prospectAnthony Garciaand non-roster inviteesJeremy HazelbakerandCarlos Pegueroremain in major-league camp and are trying to prove their worth as potential backups forRandal Grichuk,Stephen Piscotty,Tommy Pham,Matt Holliday, andBrandon Moss.
Next: Cardinals Sign Ruben Tejada to One-Year Deal
Kelly, who is considered the potential heir apparent toYadier Molina, will likely move up to Double-A and continue his ascension up the organizational ladder this season, looking to improve offensively after posting a disappointing .219/.263/.332 slash line in High-A last season. Hefner and McGuire, both six-year minor-league free agent acquisitions this offseason, are likely to join the pitching staff at Triple-A Memphis to begin the year. Meanwhile, Gomber, who is ranked as the organization’s number 17 prospect, appears destined for High-A Palm Beach after a strong first pro campaign at Low-A Peoria.
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