Doubts escalate over which Cardinals prospects might see their call-ups when rosters expand in September

Matt Koperniak, a left-handed outfielder currently playing for the Tampa Tarpons in the Minor League, could potentially replace Garrett Hampson on the St. Louis Cardinals' roster. This move, while not particularly exciting, could lead to significant implications for the Cardinals' roster this winter.

In his previous three seasons, Koperniak's lowest OPS was a robust .799. This season, however, his OPS has been lower, standing at .700 (.247/.307/.393). Despite this dip, Koperniak has shown impressive form over the last 28 days, slashing .284/.348/.432.

Koperniak's strong performance has been evident in his regular season statistics. He has hit 13 home runs and driven in 53 runners. In August, he had a particularly standout month, hitting three home runs and driving in 11 RBIs. He has also shown his speed, stealing seven bases during the regular season.

The Cardinals could maintain flexibility this winter by promoting Koperniak. This move would provide clarity regarding the 40-man roster, as Koperniak's presence on the roster allows for a seamless move without needing any corresponding moves.

If Victor Scott II and Brendan Donovan return in September, Koperniak remains a logical candidate for promotion. If Hampson is removed and Koperniak added, the Cardinals would have five out of six left-handed outfielders (Koperniak, Alec Burleson, Lars Nootbaar, Brendan Donovan, and Victor Scott II).

Koperniak, who was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2020, could achieve his goal of playing in the majors with this promotion. The Cardinals have yet to announce any decisions regarding their roster for September, but Koperniak's strong performance this season has made him a compelling candidate for roster addition.

Despite his impressive minor league statistics, Koperniak's performance during the regular season has not been as impressive as his spring training. However, his August performance has been better than Garrett Hampson's in the majors, suggesting that he could bring valuable contributions to the Cardinals' lineup.

As the Cardinals approach the end of the regular season, fans and analysts alike will be watching to see if Koperniak will get his chance to prove himself in the majors. With his strong minor league performance and the potential for a left-handed outfield rotation, Koperniak could play a key role in the Cardinals' future.

Doubts escalate over which Cardinals prospects might see their call-ups when rosters expand in September