The St. Louis Cardinals are currently in the playoff race, trailing by just 3.5 games for the third National League Wild Card spot with a 60–59 record.
They’ve just come off consecutive series victories over two of the NL’s top teams—the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs.
One key factor in their recent success has been outfielder Jordan Walker, who has been on a hot streak at the plate in his third season on the major league roster, after a slow start to the year.
The 23-year-old was drafted by St. Louis as the 1st round pick in the 2020 MLB Draft.
Before Monday’s series opener against the Colorado Rockies, manager Oli Marmol made the decision to bench Jordan Walker, opting to start Lars Nootbaar in right field instead.
This move came just a day after Walker had singled, stolen second base, and scored the go-ahead run in a 3–2 victory over the Cubs.
Cardinals Fans Frustrated With Marmol’s Decision
St. Louis fans on X expressed frustration with Marmol’s decision to bench Walker following his recent success.
“Jordan Walker has been our best hitting outfielder for a month now… But we can’t find a spot for him?” asked a fan.
Another fan said, “This team knows how to quell a hot hitter. Perplexing…”
“Someone should definitely grill Oli about Walker sitting. It was him that said at some point, you have to make me keep you in the lineup. What else does the kid have to do?” questioned a fan.
One fan wrote, “Sitting the once top prospect while on a hot streak in a ‘youth movement’ season is comical.”
“And this is EXACTLY why Oli must Go!” said another.
Walker’s Numbers Since July Make Decision Even More Puzzling
The backlash stems from how well Walker has performed compared to the team’s other right field options since July:
- Jordan Walker: .315 batting average, .797 OPS
- Lars Nootbaar: .236 batting average, .647 OPS
- Alec Burleson: .250 batting average, .753 OPS
- Victor Scott: .158 batting average, .477 OPS
Walker’s .315 average leads the entire team since July, and his .797 OPS trails only All-Star first baseman Willson Contreras—making Marmol’s decision to bench him both surprising and seemingly at odds with his stated emphasis on a youth movement.
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