Cardinals On a Roll: Proving Their Playoff Worthiness
MLB News Highlights: Donovan Earns All-MLB Recognition, Injured Prospects Undergoing Rehab, Stadium Improvement Progress
The St. Louis Cardinals are gearing up to wrap up an extraordinary May, finding their way back into playoff competition and securely in the limelight once more. At the moment, they trail behind the Chicago Cubs in the NL Central, but things are looking promising for the red-birds. Throughout the organization, positivity is in the air with some auspicious news on the horizon.
Brendan Donovan Makes MLB Waves
Utility man Brendan Donovan has continued his red-hot streak that started in the first month of the season. Filling in at various positions for the Cardinals, Donovan is currently leading the National League in hits (65), ranking third with a .328 batting average, and ninth with a .390 on-base percentage. Although he's only hit three homers this season, Donovan has made up for it with an impressive 18 doubles – a league-leading number and second overall in baseball, just two behind the Royals' Bobby Witt Jr.
Donovan's exceptional performance has earned him a spot on the All-MLB Team predictions voted by MLB.com experts. Although he came in second place behind Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte, the game-changing lefty has been a crucial component to the Cardinals' impressive month, hitting over .300 with an on-base percentage above .400 in the past 30 games. Donovan's exceptional fielding, with only one error this year while playing second, short, and left field, proves he's more than ready for the challenge.
Prospects Shining: Quinn Mathews and Tink Hence
After a rocky start to Quinn Mathews' season, the Cardinals decided to place Mathews on the minor league injured list due to some shoulder soreness. Mathews has bounced back, however, with two solid performances during his rehab stint with the FCL Cardinals and the Palm Beach Cardinals. In those two outings, Mathews has pitched five innings without walking a single batter, while giving up only three hits and boosting his strikeout rate. He'll need to gradually push his pitch count higher before expecting his return to Memphis.
Tink Hence, who dropped off the top-100 prospect list after battling injuries, is also on a rehab assignment and recovered from a rib cage strain. Although he struggled in his second outing, Hence still proved to be effective, working through 2.1 innings, allowing three hits, two walks, and striking out one. As the Cardinals seem to be treating Hence as a starter, fans can look forward to him building up his workload to increase his chances of rejoining the team.
Enhancing the Fan Experience
Ownership at Busch Stadium has not been oblivious to the low attendance numbers over the past season due to COVID-19 restrictions. To attract more fans, the team has channeled the saved payroll funds into stadium improvements such as live music, $5 Fridays, and post-game concerts featuring popular artists. For baseball buffs, the new scoreboards display advanced stats like exit velocity, defensive shifts, and spray charts. Although a competitive product on the field remains the priority, these improvements aim to provide fans with a more entertaining experience before, during, and after the game.
The Cardinals' success on the field, led by utility man Brendan Donovan's impressive MLB performance, might tempt more fans to visit Busch Stadium, given the enhanced fan experience now offered, featuring live music, discounted tickets on Fridays, and post-game concerts from popular artists. Quinn Mathews and Tink Hence, the Cardinals' prospective stars, are also making headlines with their impressive performances in the minor leagues, showcasing promising futures in the MLB and baseball, including baseball's highest level, the MLB.
