The St. Louis Cardinals have made a series of roster moves, selecting outfielder Nelson Velázquez to the major league roster and recalling catcher Jimmy Crooks from Triple-A Memphis. To make room on the active roster, infielder César Prieto and catcher Yohel Pozo were optioned back to Memphis. Velázquez fills an open spot on the 40-man roster that became available after left-hander Jared Shuster was designated for assignment earlier this month.
Velázquez, 27, joined the Cardinals organization on a minor league contract during the offseason. He impressed during spring training, posting an eye-catching .357 batting average with a .449 on-base percentage and a .667 slugging percentage. Despite those numbers, the Cardinals assigned him to Triple-A to begin the season.
While his regular-season production in Memphis has not matched his spring performance, he has remained productive. Through the first part of the season, Velázquez posted a .232/.344/.420 slash line with seven home runs. His strong 13.5% walk rate has helped offset a high strikeout rate of nearly 30%, resulting in offensive production that has been slightly above league average.
His Triple-A numbers closely resemble the profile he has shown in the majors. Over 615 big-league plate appearances, Velázquez has hit 31 home runs while maintaining a respectable walk rate. However, strikeouts have continued to be a challenge, limiting his overall offensive consistency. His career major league slash line sits at .212/.286/.433, reflecting a player with legitimate power but also notable swing-and-miss tendencies.
The Cardinals are well aware of what Velázquez brings to the table. His power potential can impact games, but because he is not regarded as a standout defender, much of his value depends on his bat. His inconsistent results in previous seasons led to him exhausting his minor league options and eventually passing through waivers before signing a new deal with St. Louis.
At the major league level, Velázquez is unlikely to receive an everyday role immediately. Jordan Walker has emerged as one of the club’s most productive outfielders and has firmly established himself in right field. Meanwhile, Bryan Torres has made a strong first impression since his recent promotion, producing at an impressive rate in limited action.
Instead, Velázquez could find opportunities in matchup situations. As a right-handed hitter, he provides balance against left-handed pitching and gives manager Oliver Marmol another power option off the bench. Although his career platoon splits are not dramatic, his presence offers added flexibility in the outfield and designated hitter spot.
That flexibility may be particularly important because the Cardinals have frequently used Iván Herrera as both a catcher and designated hitter. To support that arrangement, the club has carried three catchers for much of the season. Herrera has been one of the team’s more reliable offensive contributors, making it difficult to remove his bat from the lineup.
The decision to replace Yohel Pozo with Jimmy Crooks raises interesting questions about the Cardinals’ plans behind the plate. Pozo struggled to make an offensive impact, posting a .242/.242/.273 slash line during his limited opportunities. However, he also received relatively few plate appearances, making it difficult to establish any rhythm.
Crooks, on the other hand, has been one of the organization’s most impressive prospects this season. At Triple-A Memphis, he produced a strong .262/.412/.567 line, showcasing both power and advanced plate discipline. His ability to get on base has been particularly encouraging and has strengthened his case for a larger role at the major league level.
The Cardinals previously appeared hesitant to promote Crooks because playing time was difficult to guarantee. Herrera has been a fixture in the lineup, whether catching or serving as the designated hitter. However, Crooks’ recall could signal a shift in the club’s catching hierarchy.
One possibility is that Pedro Pagés sees a reduced role moving forward. Pagés has struggled offensively this season, batting .219/.262/.360, and the Cardinals may be looking for additional production from the position. Crooks’ strong Triple-A performance gives the organization a chance to evaluate whether he can provide that spark at the major league level.
For now, the Cardinals appear to be rewarding both Velázquez and Crooks for their work in the minors. Velázquez offers right-handed power and roster flexibility, while Crooks arrives as one of the organization’s most promising young players. As St. Louis continues its push through the season, both players will have an opportunity to prove they belong as part of the club’s long-term plans.
