LOS ANGELES -- More significant than the fact that the Cardinals' Triple-A club in Memphis continues to pace the Pacific Coast League with 29 victories through 47 games is how many players are behind that success.
The Cardinals find themselves with remarkable Triple-A depth, particularly with the recent return of injured starting pitchers John Gant, Luke Weaver and Marco Gonzales. All three have big league experience and would be considered options for the Major League rotation should there be a need.
Perhaps more surprising, though, are the number of position players who have put themselves on the Cardinals' radar. First baseman Luke Voit (.350/.435/.613) entered Wednesday having hit safely in 16 of his last 19 games. Catcher Carson Kelly (.311/.393/.529) has eight multihit performances in his last 15 games. Infielder Paul DeJong (.287/.323/.535) has not been held hitless in consecutive games this season.
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Harrison Bader (.297/.366/.484), Todd Cunningham (.280/.404/.464) and Patrick Wisdom (.270/.316/.509) have each stood out, as well.
That offensive depth was one of the reasons the Cardinals were willing to trade first baseman Matt Adams. In other words, they believe they can turn elsewhere if a need arises in St. Louis.
"What you're seeing happen down in Memphis gives us some reason to have confidence in our depth," general manager John Mozeliak said. "They're all playing at a very high level, so if we needed to bring somebody up, I think we would be able to."
Taste of home
Cardinals closer Seunghwan Oh had the chance to see his home country both celebrated and represented at Dodger Stadium on Wednesday as the Dodgers held Korean Night at the ballpark. Festivities included performances by several Korean musicians, and Oh, along with Dodgers pitcher Hyun-Jin Ryu, were expected to greet some of the fans in attendance.
"It's going to be a special memory, especially with a lot of Korean population here in L.A.," Oh said, speaking through his translator. "It's probably going to be the largest Korean population I've ever seen at a Major League ballpark."