Wong In, Hazelbaker Out

There was much ruminating about the demotion of Kolten Wong just eleven days ago.

Pham brings a similar skill set as the recently-optioned Jeremy Hazelbaker, offering plus fielding and high-end speed in addition to some power.

Last week, after what seemed to be an endless string of poor hitting performances and defensive struggles, St. Louis Cardinals’ Kolten Wong was assigned to Memphis, in the hopes that a stint at a lower level would revitalize him and renew his confidence and value to the team. Despite signing Wong to a $25MM extension during the offseason, the Redbirds sent Wong to the minors June 6 after he got off to a nightmarish start during the first two months of the year.

Wong socked a pair of homers in his first game with the Redbirds on June 9 vs. Colorado Springs, including a game-winning grand slam.

With Grichuk going 0-for-3 Friday night, and Wong’s trip south netting such positive returns, the club chose to give their center fielder regular playing time down south. He kept his foot on the gas pedal, hitting.429, with four homeruns and 11 RBIs, through seven games with Memphis this past week.

He was batting. 222 with one homer and five RBIs in 49 games with St. Louis and lost his starting spot when Carpenter moved from third base to second to accommodate Jhonny Peralta. He’s hit just. 180 since with 2 home runs, but 23 K’s and just 2 walks. In 28 at-bats with the Cardinals minor league affiliate Memphis Redbirds, Wong hit.