photo: Tyler O’Neill (Scott Rovak/USA TODAY Sports)
Coming into the St. Louis Cardinals 2018 spring training camp, I predicted the final bench spot to come down to a competition between two players, incumbent outfielder Harrison Bader versus a Triple-A player who was on the 40-man roster but was yet to make his Major League debut.
I turned out to be right about that, though instead of my pick as the competitor being outfielder Tyler O’Neill, it was newcomer Yairo Muñoz. The infielder/outfielder not only battled with Bader, but the former Oakland A’s prospect won out, making St. Louis’ Opening Day roster.
Jedd Gyorko’s trip to the disabled list quickly re-opened the door for Bader, and when the third baseman was ready to for activation, it was Muñoz who was returned to Triple-A Memphis.
O’Neill, 22, was a non-factor this spring, slowed by injury. He was assigned to the minors with two weeks of camp remaining to play his way back to 100 percent. That occurred quickly, and after less than two weeks of the minor league season, a reversal of that roster change is coming.
O’Neill’s first-ever promotion to St. Louis was first reported by MLB.com on Wednesday morning. The club is expected to make the official announcement on Thursday.
https://twitter.com/JoeTrezz/status/986626992681504769
How hot is hot?
The muscular right-handed batter earned the shot after hitting the ground running for the Triple-A Redbirds. The Cardinal Nation’s sixth-ranked prospect has played in 12 of 13 games for Memphis this season, and had hit safely in 10-straight until his streak was broken Tuesday night. O’Neill has been on a tear since the season-opener, hitting .432 (19-for-44) in those 11 games.
For the season through Tuesday night, O’Neill leads the Pacific Coast League in home runs (6), RBI (18), total bases (41), and is tied for second with nine extra-base hits. The slugging outfielder is tied for third in hits (19), two behind teammate Max Schrock (21) for the league-lead, is tied for second in runs scored (13), third in slugging percentage (.837), and third in home runs per at-bat ratio (1/8.17).
O’Neill’s just-ended 10-game hitting streak tied for his third-best hot stretch of his career. In Seattle’s system in 2016, O’Neill had three separate 10-game hitting streaks, had an 11-game streak in 2015, and a 14-game hitting streak in 2016.
As Memphis’ primary number three hitter, the 5-foot-11, 210-pounder is slashing .388/.385/.837/1.221 in his 12 games this season with two doubles, one triple, six home runs and 18 RBI. O’Neill has drawn one walk against 10 strikeouts.
In his sixth professional season, the native of Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada has appeared in both left and right field for the Redbirds and can also cover in center if needed.
O’Neill joined the Cardinals organization last July 21, acquired from the Seattle Mariners for left-handed pitcher Marco Gonzales. After which, he became a key run-producer in the Redbirds’ run to the PCL championship. O’Neill was the M’s third-round selection in the 2013 First-Year Player Draft.
Other moves?
https://twitter.com/JoeTrezz/status/986627720485498880
As the above suggests, a relief pitcher could be sent down to Memphis to make room on the 25-man active roster for O’Neill. The return of veteran Luke Gregerson coupled with the starters pitching deeper into games may relieve the perceived need for the Cardinals to carry eight relievers.
Right-hander John Brebbia, already sent down once this season, would appear to be the most likely candidate to head south on Interstate 55 if the Cardinals go that route.
Another possibility is that O’Neill could replace starting center fielder Tommy Pham, who suffered a groin injury in the cold conditions in Chicago on Tuesday night. With the Cardinals rained out on Wednesday, the extent of Pham’s injury has not yet been communicated.
Thursday morning update
The #STLCards today recalled OF Tyler O’Neill from Memphis (AAA) and optioned RHP John Brebbia to the triple-A Redbirds.
O’Neill, 22, was batting .388, led the PCL in RBI (18) and total bases (41), co-led the league in home runs (6), and ranked 2nd in slugging pct. (.837). pic.twitter.com/G7wkU2n7BB
— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) April 19, 2018
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Brian Walton can be reached via email at brian@thecardinalnation.com. Follow Brian on Twitter.
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