Cardinals Calling Up Infielder To Replace Injured Star As Struggles Continue
The St. Louis Cardinals' season has gone about as poorly as possible through 87 games, and the latest hit could be the nail in the coffin.
"Infielder José Fermín has been recalled from Triple-A Memphis. Infielder/outfielder Tommy Edman (right wrist inflammation) has been placed on the 10-day IL," The Cardinals tweeted. "Fermín will make his Major League debut with his first appearance and wear uniform No. 35."
Edman had been hitting .237 with 25 extra-base hits including seven home runs, 29 RBIs and a .693 OPS in 84 games. While this has been a down year across the board offensively for the 28-year-old, his defense was invaluable. He started the season up the middle and then learned how to play center field on the fly and did so at an elite level.
Fermín provides some defensive versatility, able to man first base, second base and third base but his bat is nothing to write home about.
The 24-year-old has battled injuries all season and only played 17 games before his call-up. Last season he hit .215 with 17 extra-base hits including six home runs, 31 RBIs and a .658 OPS in 90 games for Triple-A Memphis.
Fermín is there to patch the gap together while Edman recovers from his ailment.
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