ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - Part of the 26 man opening day roster includes the Cardinals' number one prospect Jordan Walker.
President of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak talked KMOX Sports Director Tom Ackerman about the moves. "based on the Spring that Jordan Walker had we just really felt compelled to give him a shot at this because he really had some big at bats, he looks mature beyond his years, and really feel like he's ready to support our lineup."
Walker is 6 6, 250 pounds, only 20 years old but he makes the club. Also making it left handed pitcher Zach Thompson, Packy Naughton, as well as utility Alec Burleson, and Taylor Motter.
The Cardinals optioned left-handed pitchers Génesis Cabrera and JoJo Romero, along with infielder/outfielder Juan Yepez to the Memphis (AAA) roster.
The Cardinals anticipated 26-player Opening Day roster projects as follows, but will not become official until Thursday, March 30:
PITCHERS (13): Jack Flaherty-RHP, Giovanny Gallegos-RHP, Ryan Helsley-RHP, Jordan Hicks-RHP, Steven Matz-LHP, Miles Mikolas-RHP, Jordan Montgomery-LHP, Packy Naughton-LHP, Andre Pallante-RHP, Chris Stratton-RHP, Zack Thompson-LHP, Drew VerHagen-RHP, and Jake Woodford-RHP;
CATCHERS (2): Willson Contreras and Andrew Knizner;
INFIELDERS (6): Nolan Arenado, Brendan Donovan, Tommy Edman, Paul Goldschmidt, Nolan Gorman and Taylor Motter;
OUTFIELDERS (5): Alec Burleson, Dylan Carlson, Lars Nootbaar, Tyler O'Neill and Jordan Walker;
INJURED LIST (3): Paul DeJong-INF, Wilking Rodríguez-RHP, Adam Wainwright-RHP.
