Cardinals option Nolan Gorman: Why fans shouldn’t be concerned

Cardinals fans shouldn’t worry after the team optioned prized prospect Nolan Gorman to Triple-A Memphis. 

The St. Louis Cardinals raised some eyebrows late Monday evening as they announced the demotion of rookie prospect Nolan Gorman to make room for fellow rookie Juan Yepez.

But as the Cardinals head into October, the team must put its best on the field. Manager Oli Marmol was frustrated with the team’s lack of offense over the weekend against Cincinnati Reds. Putting forward their best lineup means making a change, and Gorman has not been hitting at his best.

Yepez, a youngster who can hit and play in the infield and outfield, has improved since being demoted to AAA Memphis in late August. Yepez was hitting .277/.341/.580 with an OPS of .921 at Memphis.

What led to Norman Gorman’s demotion

As he started the season in Memphis, Gorman left St. Louis with no choice but to promote him as he was hitting .308/.367/.677 with 15 home runs and 23 RBI over 34 games.

In the last 30 days, Gorman was hitting .200/.273/.367 with 18 hits, 3 home runs, 10 RBI with nine walks, and a staggering 35 strikeouts.  In the last seven days, however, the numbers are worse. In his seven games, Gorman was hitting .150/.261/.400 with three hits, a home run, two RBI, three walks, and nine strikeouts.

It would appear other teams began to figure Gorman out.

Gorman must use this demotion as an opportunity to improve at the plate and make some adjustments. It’s not clear if they will push Gorman to return before the postseason.

In the meantime, St. Louis will be just fine without his services. Fellow rookie Brendan Donovan has been a gem with the ability to play multiple positions, including second base. Tommy Edman won the Gold Glove at second base and has spent most of the season at shortstop while the team waited on improvement from Paul DeJong.  While DeJong is still improving at the plate, he plays well at shortstop and can spell Edman if he needs a day.

What does having Yepez back mean for the Cardinals?

Yepez’s bat and personality have been needed. He can play the corner outfield, corner infield, and designated hitter positions.

Yepez will be necessary as the Cardinals try to figure out their outfield situation. With Tyler O’Neill and Dylan Carlson each spending time on the injured list, Yepez was missed.  O’Neill is on the injured list, with Carlson returning to the lineup over the weekend. Corey Dickerson has spent time at the corner outfield positions, and Lars Nootbaar will be working right and center field. Donovan has also been a corner outfield option. Rookie call-ups Ben DeLuzio and Alec Burleson are also trying to make their way.

Yepez will provide Marmol with options to solidify their outfield as we head full force into October and playoff baseball.