(Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
Paul DeJong was one of three St. Louis Cardinals players who began the 2023 season on the injured list.
DeJong has been dealing with a back issue, while Wilking Rodriguez is out with a shoulder issue and Adam Wainwright is recovering from a groin injury.
However, DeJong may be close to making his way back.
The former All-Star shortstop is currently on a rehab assignment at Triple-A Memphis.
Given his recent struggles in previous years, there may not be a clear path back for the former slugger.
On Twitter, Cardinals insider Jeff Jones provided an update on where things stand and revealed what manager Oli Marmol had to say about the matter.
Paul DeJong moves his rehab assignment to Memphis Monday. I asked if it DeJong would be here once he’s healthy, and Marmol said they want to get to that point first and see where things are at before making that determination.
— Jeff Jones (@jmjones) April 9, 2023
DeJong had begun spring training on a good note after reworking his swing in the offseason.
Unfortunately, the injury to his back derailed him and cost him some time in Grapefruit League play.
As a result, Taylor Motter was selected to be the Cardinals utility infielder out of spring training.
But with Motter having recorded a hit in two of his first three games, DeJong’s path back to the big leagues will not be devoid of adversity.
DeJong hit just .197 in 2021 and was sent down to the minors last season.
He finished the 2022 season with a poor .157 average.
Marmol said that the Cardinals want to see where things stand towards the end of DeJong’s rehab assignment to make an official decision on the matter, as well as the former All-Star’s future with the organization.
The Cardinals are 3-6 through their first nine games.
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