NL Central: Can JJ Wetherholt stick at leadoff for the Cardinals?
Mar 20 2026
As Cardinals camp begins its final week, rookie shortstop JJ Wetherholt has taken over leadoff duties in each of the last three games he's started. Wetherholt at leadoff makes sense, he's posted a walk rate equal to or better than his strikeout rate through his minor league run, which is the kind of plate discipline that should persist in MLB. So far in 37 Grapefruit League plate appearances he's logged six hits, six strikeouts and eight walks.
The question isn't really whether Wetherholt can hit leadoff eventually. This isn't unfamiliar territory for him. What's unfamiliar is Busch Stadium and the scrutiny that comes from playing baseball at the highest level. He wouldn't be the first rookie to earn a big role out of...
Almost!
You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!
Already a subscriber? Sign in here
More From PT Tomorrow
The BHQ playing time metrics give us a new perspective on our previous beliefs about NL West players. So this week, let's see what we can learn.
May 16 2026 3:06am
May 16 2026 3:06am
Michael Conforto is playing more against righties during a hot streak, but the Cubs are trying to keep Moisés Ballesteros in the lineup against them as well
May 15 2026 3:05am
May 15 2026 3:05am
Using BaseballHQ's exclusive Playing Time Metrics to examine usage trends across the NL East.
May 14 2026 11:17am
May 14 2026 11:17am
Isaac Collins has struggled vs. LHP, and it might be time for the Royals to give Jac Caglianone another shot at everyday at-bats. Plus, Sam Antonacci's rise in CHW, Angel Martínez's platoon splits in CLE, an opportunity for Matt Vierling in DET, and why the Twins won't play Ryan Jeffers more.
May 14 2026 3:06am
May 14 2026 3:06am
Vaughn Grissom and Oswald Peraza are forcing the issue to change the platoon situation in Anaheim.
May 13 2026 3:05am
May 13 2026 3:05am
