The St. Louis Cardinals have placed outfielder Alec Burleson on the 10-day injured list due to inflammation in his right wrist. Burleson has been dealing with the injury for some time, and the team decided to give him time to recover fully. Alongside him, catcher Yohel Pozo was also placed on the seven-day concussion injured list after taking a foul tip to the mask during a recent game.
To fill the roster spots left by Burleson and Pozo, the Cardinals have called up two promising prospects from their Triple-A affiliate in Memphis. Infielder César Prieto and catcher Jimmy Crooks are both set to make their major league debuts, adding depth to the Cardinals’ lineup and catching corps as they head into a crucial stretch of the season.
César Prieto, 26, has been a standout performer in Triple-A, batting .295 with nine home runs, 62 RBIs, and 29 doubles this season. Acquired from Baltimore in 2023, Prieto has steadily improved and is considered a versatile infielder with a strong bat, making him a valuable addition to the big league roster.
Jimmy Crooks, 24, was named the Cardinals’ 2024 Minor League Player of the Year. Known for his offensive capabilities and defensive skills behind the plate, Crooks has a .274 batting average in Triple-A with 14 home runs and 79 RBIs. He also has a strong arm, throwing out over 29% of attempted base stealers, which should provide a boost to the Cardinals’ catching depth.
Both players have already joined the major league club in Cincinnati and are expected to contribute as the Cardinals continue their push in the playoff race. Crooks made his debut on August 29, catching the final two innings in a 7-5 win over the Reds, while Prieto appeared as a pinch hitter in the 10th inning of the same game.
These roster moves come at a critical time as the Cardinals aim to maintain their competitiveness despite injuries to key players. The addition of Prieto and Crooks provides fresh energy and depth to the team’s lineup and defensive units.
Looking ahead, the Cardinals hope that Burleson and Pozo recover quickly and that the new call-ups can make an immediate impact. The organization is focused on maintaining momentum as the season approaches its final stretch, with every healthy player and lineup option crucial to their postseason aspirations.
