Cardinals call up .923 OPS infielder ahead of Brewers series

Cardinals call up .923 OPS infielder ahead of Brewers series originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The St. Louis Cardinals start a three-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers on Monday night. 

Before the first matchup, they've made a notable roster move, promoting a versatile infielder from the minors. 

According to Pelota Cubana USA, St. Louis has recalled second baseman Cesar Prieto from Triple-A Memphis. The soon-to-be 27-year-old hit six home runs with a .923 OPS in 28 games before his promotion. 

In a corresponding move, Francys Romero of BeisbolFR reports that infielder Thomas Saggese has been optioned to Triple-A. 

Prieto was born in Cuba and began his professional baseball career in the Cuban National Series with the Elefantes de Cienfuegos. 

His hitting caught the attention of the Baltimore Orioles, who signed him as an international free agent in 2022. After playing parts of four seasons in the minors, Prieto finally made his Major League debut last season with the Cardinals. 

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In three games with St. Louis, the left-handed hitter managed one hit but struck out five times in six trips to the plate. 

Prieto looks to make more of an impact this time around. Considering how well he performed at Triple-A, the Cardinals figure they have nothing to lose by giving him another shot. 

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