Cards to call up Wong for first Major League stint
Rated No. 4 prospect, second baseman to join team Friday; Chambers to be optioned
ST. LOUIS -- The Cardinals' offense will welcome a newcomer on Friday, when second baseman Kolten Wong joins the big league club from Triple-A. The organization, which has not yet officially announced the roster move, will option outfielder Adron Chambers to make space for Wong.
Ranked by MLB.com as the organization's fourth-best prospect, Wong will have to be added to the 40-man roster. That won't be an issue since the Cardinals currently have two open spots.
In his first full season in Triple-A, Wong has a slash line of .303/.369/.466, with 21 doubles, eight triples, 10 homers, 45 RBIs and 68 runs scored. He did not play in either game of Memphis' doubleheader on Thursday.
Wong represented the Cardinals in the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game at Citi Field in July and was an Arizona Fall League participant last fall. He has played exclusively as a second baseman since being selected out of the University of Hawaii in the first round of the 2011 First-Year Player Draft.
While speaking with MLB.com last month, Wong said he hoped a late-season callup would be in his future.
"That's definitely something that I would love to be a part of," Wong said. "Whether playing or not, I would love to be a part of that atmosphere, and to see what that's like would be amazing for me."
With Matt Carpenter thriving at second, the Cardinals have no known need at the position. However, Carpenter's versatility -- he can play both corner infield and outfield spots as well -- could allow the Cardinals to get creative in finding starts for Wong. He can also provide a left-handed bat off the bench.
When he makes his first appearance, Wong will become the 11th different player to make his Major League debut with the Cardinals this season. He will wear No. 16.
Chambers returns to Memphis just days after delivering a game-winning hit against the Pirates on Tuesday. During his 16-day stay in the Majors, Chambers went 2-for-12 with three runs scored. With Shane Robinson returning from the disabled list on Thursday, the Cardinals no longer need the extra outfielder.