Cardinals option struggling Walker to Triple-A

The St. Louis Cardinals optioned outfielder Jordan Walker to Triple-A after a disappointing start to the season, the team announced Wednesday.

Walker, 22, impressed in 2023 as a rookie, but has slumped out of the gate with a 41 OPS+ and zero home runs. The former top prospect posted a 114 OPS+ with 16 long balls over 117 games last season.

The Cardinals drafted Walker in the first round of the 2020 MLB Draft.

The team optioned left-handed pitcher Zack Thompson to Triple-A Memphis alongside Walker, recalling infielder José Fermín and reliever John King in a corresponding move.

After losing 14-1 to the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday night, the Cardinals hold the NL's third-worst record at 10-14.