Cardinals Activate Yadier Molina From IL as Jose Martinez Hits Shelf in Latest Roster Shuffle
By Adam Weinrib
The Cardinals have gained their leader back in the midst of a playoff push, but will be losing one of their most important power bats as well.
Due to a shoulder issue that felled him over the weekend, Jose Martinez will hit the IL just as the Redbirds welcome back Yadier Molina from his lingering thumb issue.
Yadier Molina (thumb) has been activated off the IL. OF Randy Arozarena has been selected from Memphis (AAA).
— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) August 12, 2019
OF José Martínez (shoulder) has been placed on the 10-day IL. C Andrew Knizner has been optioned to Memphis (AAA). pic.twitter.com/pyEGBG6pMf
Andrew Knizner, the top catching prospect who filled in for Yadi and hit .190 in limited opportunities, will head back to Triple-A Memphis almost by default. He didn't do much with his time at the plate to prove he's ready for the Show.
Molina, prior to his injury, had put up a .261 average with 38 RBI and his typically sterling defense. He remains a stalwart on this roster, and has led the team far longer than any casual observer could have anticipated over a decade and a half ago.
Randy Arozarena is coming to the big leagues. #STLCards select Arozarena from Triple-A Memphis and place Jose Martinez (right AC joint sprain) on the 10-day IL. Yadier Molina will also be activated from the IL and Andrew Knizner optioned.
— Anne Rogers (@anne__rogers) August 12, 2019
It's been an eventful year for Molina, fueled significantly by his ongoing feud with Kris Bryant of the Cubs about just how pleasant it is to live in St. Louis. Now, Molina can help take down KB and his guys down the stretch.
Not so bad.