Overview
- Wetherholt made the team Monday, and he is slated to debut Thursday against the Rays at Busch Stadium.
- Team officials expect him to start at second base and bat leadoff or second behind shortstop Masyn Winn.
- The 2024 No. 7 pick is MLB Pipeline’s No. 5 prospect after hitting .306 with 17 homers and 23 steals at Double-A and Triple-A in 2025, and he showed patience this spring with nine walks.
- By carrying him on Opening Day, the Cardinals keep MLB’s Prospect Promotion Incentive in play, which can award a bonus draft pick if he wins Rookie of the Year.
- In related moves, Thomas Saggese, José Fermín and Nathan Church made the club, Nelson Velázquez was optioned to Triple-A, and a 40-man spot for Wetherholt may come from placing Lars Nootbaar on the 60-day injured list.