Ryan Ludwick returned to the Redbirds on Saturday, and as a result, Tony La Russa will have a little more trouble filling out his lineup card.
With the exception of Colby Rasmus, all the Cardinals outfielders are hitting the ball well, including Ludwick after his short rehab stint. Jon Jay has been performing admirably day in and day out. Jay is hitting .386 in his two stints with the Cardinals and has 11 doubles in only 88 at bats so far this season.
The Cardinals will certainly keep Jay around, with Holliday, Rasmus, and Ludwick normally playing in the outfield. Jay has been one of the Cardinals best pinch hitters in his brief time with the club. Jay is hitting .411 in pinch hit opportunities and draws on his experience as a typical lead off hitter.
Rasmus has certainly been struggling recently, only hitting .237 since the absence of Ludwick, so that may give Jay an extended look in centerfield besides his pinch hitting opportunities.
Jay is hitting .463 since his second call-up on July 3 and has certainly earned more playing time. La Russa will definitely view the crowded outfield as a positive note, and the Cardinals will benefit from some extra depth in August and September.
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