photo: Tink Hence (Brian Walton/The Cardinal Nation)
St. Louis Cardinals press release
The St. Louis Cardinals announced today (Wednesday, March 15) that the team has assigned non-roster pitcher Tink Hence to minor league camp, reducing its Spring Training roster to 50 players.
Hence, 20, appeared in four games this spring, striking out five in 3.1 innings of work and allowing one earned run. The 2022 Florida State League Pitcher of the Year was appearing in his first Major League camp this spring.
The Cardinals have 36 Major League roster players and 14 non-roster invitees remaining in camp.
Brian Walton’s take
As the team heads into its final two weeks of spring training games, it is not surprising that the Cardinals are continuing to send down players who do not have a realistic chance of making the Opening Day roster.
Don’t be mistaken – Hence is a very good player. In fact, he is The Cardinal Nation’s third-ranked prospect for 2023, behind only Jordan Walker and Masyn Winn.
However, with no regular season experience above Low-A, the right-hander will be better served for the rest of the spring by throwing in minor league games to prepare for the regular schedule while stretching out as a starter.
Hence’s 2022 Palm Beach teammate, shortstop Jeremy Rivas, is the only player remaining in camp with no experience at Double-A or above.
Though it is only one player, this constitutes the Cardinals’ third round of roster cuts this spring, with 24 more players yet to go to reach the Opening Day 26.
For more
To see all players in the system by level and position plus every transaction all year ‘round, check out the always free Roster Matrix here at The Cardinal Nation, refreshed today.
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