Jordan Walker Returns: Cardinals Recall Outfielder, Place Carpenter on IL

Jordan Walker is back.

The St. Louis Cardinals have made a series of roster moves before Monday's contest with the Cincinnati Reds. The team announced they have recalled outfielder Jordan Walker from Triple-A Memphis. Cardinals veteran Matt Carpenter is heading to the 10-day injured list with a lower back strain.

Walker spent 78 games with Memphis after being sent down on April 26th. In that time he made adjustments to his hitting stance and drastically improved at the plate. Since being down in Triple-A Walker is hitting .290/.367/.448 with nine homers, 33 RBIs, and 33 extra base hits.

Walker has really stepped up lately as he is averaging .338 with a 1.090 OPS across his last 65 at-bats. His 90th percentile exit velocity has been over 108 MPH over that span (MLB league average is 104).

Walker's defense has much improved while down in the minors as well. Something that was a concern since making the transition to the outfield just a few seasons ago. Although the team has a good amount of players that can play the outfield on the current active roster, Walker won't be a liability and can find action in a corner outfield spot rather than just as a designated hitter.

As for Carpenter, the injured list stint will be retroactive to August 9th as he recovers from a lower back strain. He hasn't seen much action in games lately, but when he has it is productive. In the last seven games, the Cardinals veteran only took 13 at-bats but has recorded a 1.015 OPS across that span.

It is expected that Walker will be in the lineup for the series opener at Great American Ballpark on Monday evening. The first pitch in Cincinnati is scheduled for 6:40 PM EST.