Pagés' Hamstring, Crooks' Potential Debut: Cardinals' Catcher Conundrum

0:00It's April 26th, this is MLB News today, powered by AI tracking teams, players, and standings. The St. Louis Cardinals dropped an 11-9 decision to the Seattle Mariners on Saturday, and he came with a side of bad news on the injury. Front. Their catcher Pedro Paje is lit it up, going 3-3 with a homer, a walk, and two RBI's. His best game yet this season. But he had to exit early after feeling tightness in his left hamstring. Front spread quick on social media from beatwriters, hinting at a roster move. They pointed to AAA Memphis, where number 8 prospect Jimmy Crookes was suddenly scratched from the lineup. That swap had Brodie Moore starting at first base and Andy Yerzy behind the plate, fueling talk of Crookes heading up to the big leagues. Fans and analysts are buzzing because Crookes has been on fire in 19 AAA games, slashing .286 over .405 over. And 6-4-3 with an OPS of 1.048, 8 homers, and 18 RBI's.

1:01He's a 24-year-old lefty with serious pop, and pairing him with Ivan Herrera could give the cards a nasty catcher duo that keeps pitchers. Guessing. Paje's has held his own in 17 games this year, hitting .250 over .310 over .404 with two homers. And 7 RBI's? But that hamstring has everyone watching close. No official move from the club yet. They might just be checking Paje's out thoroughly with Crookes on deck. If Paje's needs real time off, expect Crookes to step in and shake up that lineup soon. Adding the Spark St. Louis has been craving all season.