St. Louis Cardinals fans, buckle up! You just got the news everyone’s been sweating over. Star second baseman JJ Wetherholt is officially back to hitting off a pitching machine at Busch Stadium. This isn’t just a baby step, this is a giant leap for the 24-year-old, who’s been out of commission since August 30 battling right wrist tendinitis. To see him back swinging, even in rehab, signals a potential return that could spark this club right when they need it most.
The Offensive Jolt They’ve Been Missing
Let’s be real, this guy is a legitimate National League Rookie of the Year candidate, and that’s not just some title. In 130 games, Wetherholt has racked up a .242/.343/.370 slash line, proving he’s a consistent threat at the plate. He’s blasted 17 home runs, which is serious power from a second baseman, and his .713 OPS shows he gets on base and drives in runs. Plus, he’s added 14 doubles and practically perfect 14 stolen bases in 15 attempts. That 4.6 bWAR isn’t just a number; it screams ‘impact player’ and shows exactly how much production the Cardinals have been missing. Bringing that kind of offensive energy back into the lineup could be a total game-changer.
A Gold Glove Returning to the Infield
And don’t even get me started on his defense. Wetherholt isn’t just good, he’s a clear candidate for a Gold Glove Award at second base. We’re talking about a guy with an incredible +13 defensive runs saved and a staggering 22 outs above average. Those aren’t just solid stats; they are elite numbers that scream “playmaker” in the infield. Having that kind of defensive wizardry back at second base would tighten up their entire infield, turning potential hits into outs and giving their pitchers a huge confidence boost. It’s a complete package player few teams get the luxury of having.
The Push for the Finish Line
Wetherholt himself is chomping at the bit, saying, “It’s really all up to how I feel and how [I go about] through things (during the rehab process).” You can feel the urgency in his voice when he adds, “Obviously, you don’t want to not play, and you want to play (again in 2026)… But I’m trying to do everything I can to get back.” The goal? He’s gunning to return before the Cardinals’ final homestand of the season. Imagine the adrenaline boost for the team and the fans if he pulls that off. It’s about more than individual stats at this point; it’s about momentum and finishing the year strong. Oh, and on a totally different note, heard the Mariners might not pick up Victor Robles’ $9M option this offseason. Just a little snippet of other MLB news floating around out there.
So, what’s the real story here? Every single step of Wetherholt’s rehab is now under the microscope. If he makes it back for that final homestand, it’s not just a feel-good moment, it’s a massive lift for the Cardinals heading into the offseason. They get to see their young star back on the field, showing off his amazing two-way talent one last time in 2026. Keep your eyes peeled, because his return could redefine how the Cardinals close out this season.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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