3 Cardinals Players Who Aren't Getting Enough Playing Time

Brendan Donovan

Brendan Donovan is a utility player who can play second base, third base, shortstop, and the outfield. He was a first-round pick by the Cardinals in 2018 and has shown promise at the plate and in the field. In 2022, he hit .302 with an on-base percentage of .352 and a slugging percentage of .451. He also stole 10 bases and played solid defense at all four positions.

Despite his impressive performance, Donovan has not been able to crack the Cardinals' starting lineup on a regular basis. He has started just 41 games this season and has been used primarily as a pinch-hitter and defensive replacement. This is likely due to the fact that the Cardinals have several other talented players at the same positions, such as Paul Goldschmidt, Nolan Arenado, and Tommy Edman.

Juan Yepez

Juan Yepez is a first baseman and outfielder who was acquired by the Cardinals in a trade with the Braves in 2021. He is a powerful hitter with a good eye at the plate. In 2022, he hit .255 with an on-base percentage of .325 and a slugging percentage of .476. He also hit 15 home runs and drove in 58 runs.

Like Donovan, Yepez has not been able to find a regular spot in the Cardinals' lineup. He has started just 40 games this season and has been used primarily as a pinch-hitter and defensive replacement. This is likely due to the fact that the Cardinals have Paul Goldschmidt at first base and Tyler O'Neill and Dylan Carlson in the outfield.

Lars Nootbaar

Lars Nootbaar is an outfielder who was drafted by the Cardinals in the eighth round in 2018. He is a good hitter with a good eye at the plate. In 2022, he hit .278 with an on-base percentage of .343 and a slugging percentage of .446. He also hit 10 home runs and drove in 41 runs.

Nootbaar has been more of a regular in the Cardinals' lineup than Donovan and Yepez, but he has still not been able to earn a full-time starting job. He has started 63 games this season and has been used primarily as a platoon player against left-handed pitchers. This is likely due to the fact that the Cardinals have Tyler O'Neill and Dylan Carlson as their everyday outfielders.