In many ways, Kolten Wong was the poster child for the Cardinals offensive struggles at the beginning of the season. While the team was struggling with a .246 average in March and April, Wong didn't help matters, hitting .225 with a.544 OPS.
Never mind that other players were also struggling who were counted on to produce (I'm looking at you Allen Craig), the Cardinals felt the need to make an example out of Wong and sent him to the minors.
To his credit, Wong did not sulk or pout. He took the demotion as a challenge and tore up AAA pitching to the tune of .344/.382/.484 in 15 games, earning a promotion back to the Cardinals. Of course, it didn't hurt that his replacement at second base, Mark Ellis, hit only .204 in his absence.
So, Wong got his second chance and thus far he's made the most of it.
Since his return, Wong is hitting .364/.432/.455 and has found a home in the second spot in the batting order. He has helped spark the Cardinals offense while raising his season average to .269.
The Cardinals offense should kick into gear at some point. Guys like Allen Craig and Peter Bourjos are starting to show signs of life and top prospect Oscar Taveras could come up next week to DH during the interleague game at the AL parks.
But having a guy at the top of the order who can get on base and wreck havoc will help this team manufacture runs when needed.
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