Randal Grichuk Still Weeks Away From Returning
By Bill Pivetz
The St. Louis Cardinals have one of the best offenses in the National League. All four of the infielders have at least 11 home runs and 44 RBI this season. However, one of the most important players in the Cardinals lineup in the middle of the season was center fielder Randal Grichuk. He was activated on Sunday, but his impact will not be felt for a couple of more weeks.
The Cardinals outfielders are not hitting for power this season. Jason Heyward leads all starting outfielders with 11 home runs and 50 RBI. Recent call-up Stephen Piscotty is providing a spark with four home runs and 26 RBI in just 43 games. The return of Randal Grichuk should help jolt the Cardinals offense and help them win the NL Central, but it will need to wait.
Grichuk burst onto the scene in the middle of the season. While he hit just two home runs and 10 RBI with a .261 batting average in his first 30 games. From June 10 to August 16 (before landing on the DL), Grichuk hit 12 doubles, five triples, 13 home runs and 34 RBI while hitting .294/.353/.597.
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The Carindals activated Grichuk from the DL on Sunday after dealing with an elbow strain for the last 19 days. He will serve only as a pinch-runner for the next week. The hope is that he will be able to pinch-hit by the weekend. However, there is no timetable for his return to the field. There will be a better outlook on Randal Grichuk by next week. He will likely be limited to a bench role for the next two weeks.
Despite not having a full-time role for the next 14 days, Grichuk should be added to your team sooner rather than later. He’s actually been dropped in 6.4 percent of ESPN leagues over the last seven days, bringing his ownership percentage to just 38.8.
Randal Grichuk is a great hitter that, when he returns, will be a top-50 hitter for the rest of the season. The fact he is available in over 60 percent of leagues is surprising. He will have a starting job as soon as he is ready to take the field. If you are in the playoffs and need a power bat for your OF4 or OF3 spot, Grichuk is someone to add now.