BREAKING: The St. Louis Cardinals have placed outfielder Alec Burleson and catcher Yohel Pozo on the injured list as of July 15, 2023, raising immediate concerns for the team as they face the Cincinnati Reds.
Burlson is sidelined with right wrist inflammation and has been assigned to the 10-day injured list. He received an injection to alleviate the inflammation and will be reassessed in 48 hours, according to team officials. Meanwhile, Pozo has been placed on the 7-day concussion list after sustaining a head injury from a foul tip during Thursday’s 4-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Both injuries come at a critical juncture for the Cardinals, who are actively competing for playoff positioning. The loss of both players could significantly impact the team’s performance as they navigate the second half of the season.
In response to these setbacks, the Cardinals have called up two top prospects from Triple-A Memphis. Catcher Jimmy Crooks, ranked as the No. 6 prospect in the Cardinals’ system, boasts an impressive .274 batting average alongside a .778 OPS, including 21 doubles, 14 home runs, and 79 RBIs this season.
Additionally, infielder César Prieto, who made headlines after defecting from Cuba in 2021, joins the roster. Prieto is hitting a solid .295 with nine home runs and 62 RBIs at Memphis. Both players are now in Cincinnati, ready to make their mark in the major leagues.
This development not only affects the Cardinals’ immediate strategy but also raises questions about their depth and future prospects. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the team adjusts to these sudden changes.
As the Cardinals prepare for their next game, the urgency is high. Will these rising stars step up to fill the gaps left by Burleson and Pozo? Stay tuned for updates on their performance and the team’s response to this challenging situation.
