PT TOMORROW: NL Central —DeJong becoming entrenched as starter

St. Louis Cardinals

Since his late June demotion to AAA-Memphis, Aledmys Díaz (SS, STL) has done little to demonstrate he deserves to return to his starting shortstop role in St. Louis. Through 65 Triple-A plate appearances, Diaz has three doubles, two homers, and is batting .260. He was hit by a pitch in his hand on July 25 and will reportedly miss a week, making his potential return to St. Louis more likely to be weeks, rather than days, away.

When opportunity knocked (as discussed in this space on July 1), Paul DeJong (2B/SS, STL) answered. The 23-year-old infielder has displayed a big power (14 HR and 157 xPX) and low contact (67% ct%) combination through his first two months (183 AB) in the majors. He batted third in the order in...

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From PT Tomorrow

The A's are in need of a boost at 3B and they have an option at AAA.
May 6 2026 3:05am
Carlos Rodón's return to the Yankees rotation is nearing and Gerrit Cole's could be close behind. How does this affect the Yankees' rotation? Plus, more from around the AL East.
May 5 2026 3:05am
This week, we make the bold case for a Rockies starter—even in Denver—and we take a peek at two overlooked NL West first basemen who deserve more attention.
May 2 2026 3:05am
Pedro Ramírez is demonstrating real power at AAA Iowa, could there be a path to MLB playing time for one of the minor's hottest hitting infielders?
May 1 2026 3:05am
Three key Twins hitters have yet to deliver on the promise they offered as prospects, and time may be running out. Plus, a closer look at Shane Smith, Daniel Schneemann, and Jack Flaherty, and the KC bullpen.
Apr 30 2026 3:05am

Tools