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Cardinals option struggling shortstop Diaz to Triple-A

Scott Kane / USA TODAY Sports

Aledmys Diaz seemingly came out of nowhere in 2016 to finish in the top five of NL Rookie of the Year voting. He hit .300 with 17 home runs and played in the All-Star Game.

Now he's going back to the minors.

The St. Louis Cardinals optioned the shortstop to Triple-A Memphis on Wednesday, the team announced. In a corresponding move, the Cardinals purchased the contract of infielder Alex Mejia.

Diaz is hitting .260 in 71 games this season, which doesn't seem all that bad, but his .293 on-base percentage is alarming. While he made hard contact 31.5 percent of the time a year ago, he's only managed a 23.5 percent frequency in 2017.

Diaz was surprised by the demotion despite his struggles at the plate, according to MLB.com's Jenifer Langosch.

"I have to take it the right way," Diaz said. "I have to think this is for my good and it's going to help me."

Mejia, 26, has been in the Cardinals' organization since 2012. He's spent time at both Double-A and Triple-A this season. He is not listed among the Cardinals' top-30 prospects, according to MLB.com.

Paul DeJong is starting at shortstop for the Cardinals Wednesday night against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

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