Back in 2017, the St. Louis Cardinals got a boost from shortstop Paul DeJong, who burst onto the scene and began hitting some key home runs.
He even crushed 30 homers in 2019 and earned an All-Star selection.
However, since then, he has been in decline and ultimately lost his place as the team’s starting shortstop.
He was even sent down to Triple-A Memphis in May of last season.
DeJong has worked on his swing and made some key adjustments this spring, but has been plagued by injuries.
Manager Oliver Marmol says that DeJong is still stuck in a holding pattern after being scratched from Tuesday’s lineup.
#STLCards manager Oli Marmol said SS Paul DeJong (back pain) is still in a holding pattern as far as resuming to baseball duties. DeJong, who was scratched from Tue’s game with back pain, is working out daily in the weight room.
Marmol said there hasn’t been an injury setback.
— John Denton (@JohnDenton555) March 17, 2023
This is a crucial spring for DeJong.
However, injuries have taken their toll, and it may not be long before the Cardinals have to make a tough decision.
The reality is that the former All-Star’s window is rapidly closing with stars such as Tommy Edman and Brendan Donovan filling out the middle-infield positions while Nolan Gorman waits in the wings.
Though DeJong has showed some promise this spring, he still is hitting below .200 and has been unable to contribute because of the injuries he is currently battling.
For now, it doesn’t appear as if there has been a setback.
However, if he remains in a holding pattern, his days in a Cardinals uniform may be numbered as the team decides what their Opening Day roster will look like.
With Jordan Walker and Masyn Winn also knocking on the door, DeJong may find himself as the odd man out.
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