The St. Louis Cardinals have a big two weeks ahead of them. A strong rest of July could have the team as buyers, while a rough patch could lead the team to sell. It’s a pivotal time in the franchise, and fortunately, they are getting one of their sluggers back.
Ahead of their series against the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Cardinals announced that they have activated outfielder Jordan Walker from the injured list and subsequently optioned Thomas Saggese to Triple-A Memphis.
OF Jordan Walker has been activated from the 10-day IL.
INF Thomas Saggese has been optioned to Memphis (AAA). pic.twitter.com/bM3NQcpv7h
— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) July 18, 2025
The move comes at a pivotal time in the Cardinals’ season, with the team at a crossroads between buying and selling at the end of the month. Walker, while he’s struggled this season, will be a key player for the Cardinals.
If he performs well, his future in the organization could be solidified. But if he struggles, the Cardinals could look to explore trade deadline pickups to replace him in the long term.
Regardless of how he plays, getting the polarizing Walker back in the lineup should provide some clarity on how the team should be constructed going forward.
MORE: Trio of Cardinals relievers most likely to be moved at MLB trade deadline
So far this season, Walker has a .210 batting average with a .295 slugging percentage and a .562 OPS. His 59 OPS+ is the lowest of his career, and indicates he’s been 41 percent worse than the league-average hitter this season.
Across 55 games played, Walker has amassed -0.9 WAR, 37 hits, 21 runs scored, four doubles, one triple, three home runs, 23 RBIs, 12 walks, and 63 strikeouts. During his rehab assignment before being activated, he also struggled with a .583 OPS in 12 games.
He was placed on the injured list back in June with appendicitis, and after almost a month off, he makes his return to the team against the Diamondbacks. The Cardinals slugger will look to rebound after a rough start to his career.
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