Velázquez's Spring Training Slam, Cardinals' Outfield Dilemma

0:00It's April 1st, I'm Cory with the story. This is MLB News Today, driven by AI and Bill for baseball fans. Nelson Velasquez straight up owned spring training for the St. Louis Cardinals. This 27-year-old slugger signed a minor league deal with a non-roster invite and lit it up over 15 games. He slashed 357 over 449, slashed 667 for a 1.116 OPS, smashed four homers, drove in 10 runs, drew seven walks, do was on fire. The Cardinals were hunting for right-handed pop in the outfield all-off season, and Velasquez delivered exactly that. Folks predicted he'd snag an opening-day spot, but without a 40-man roster slot, they couldn't squeeze them in without dumping someone else. So he's starting down in AAA Memphis. Fans and analysts are buzzing about his snub, especially since the cards are tied for seventh with 17 homers through five games. That's decent early power, but they need balance.

1:00Velasquez talked to the media recently, and sounded confident he's sure St. Louis is calling soon. Meanwhile, the outfield guys who beat him out ain't exactly crushing it. Nathan Church is hitting 188 in four games with no power. Thomas the Guessay went 0-3 in his one shot. Ahase for mean hasn't even batted yet in his appearance. If Velasquez keeps the momentum rolling in AAA, expect him suiting up in St. Louis before long. His back could flip the line of script right when they need it most.