Cardinals' Alec Burleson: Cranks third spring training homer
Rotowire
Burleson popped a solo home run -- his third of the spring -- in Wednesday's Grapefruit League tilt versus the Nationals.
Drawing the start at first base, Burleson led off the bottom of the third inning with a long ball off of Jake Irvin. Although he's batting only .209 this spring, Burleson's three home runs trail only Luken Baker's four for the team lead. Burleson's playing time might be impacted if the Cardinals elect to go with Victor Scott or Michael Siani as their primary center fielder, as it would likely mean Nolan Gorman being used more at designated hitter. The left-handed hitting Burleson slashed .292/.341/.464 versus right-handed pitching last season but batted only .242/.306/.320 in the second half.
... See More... See Less
Cardinals' Alec Burleson: Could face playing time squeeze
Rotowire
Burleson might see his playing time impacted if the Cardinals elect to start Lars Nootbaar in left field and Michael Siani or Victor Scott in center field, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports.
The trickle-down effect would result in Brendan Donovan playing more second base than outfield and Nolan Gorman being used more in the designated-hitter spot. Burleson slashed .292/.341/.464 versus right-handed pitching last season, so he still figures to play plenty against righties, but it might not be as often as his fantasy managers would like.
... See More... See Less
Cardinals' Alec Burleson: Won't play outfield this spring
Rotowire
Burleson is not expected to be used in the outfield this spring, Daniel Guerrero of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Even with outfielder Jordan Walker (knee) slated to miss the next week of action with a knee issue, Burleson will stick to the designated-hitter spot and first base. The overwhelming majority of Burleson's starts at the major-league level to this point have come in the outfield, but he's slated to be the club's primary DH versus righties this season while also seeing some action at first base on days Willson Contreras serves as the DH.
Burleson went 2-for-4 with a walk and three RBI in Sunday's 6-1 win over the Giants.
Burleson hit an RBI single in the fifth inning and drove in two more runs with another single in the sixth. While he was a bright spot for most of 2024 for the Cardinals, Burleson hit just .202 and slugged a mere .226 in September while slipping back into a strong-side platoon role. He finishes the year with a .269/.314/.420 slash line, 21 home runs, 78 RBI, 71 runs scored, 20 doubles and nine stolen bases over 152 games.
... See More... See Less
Cardinals' Alec Burleson: Out again versus lefty
Rotowire
Burleson is not in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Rockies.
The Cardinals are facing a lefty in Kyle Freeland for the second day in a row, and the left-handed-hitting Burleson has been on the bench for both contests. Burleson hasn't made a start against a southpaw since Aug. 6 and looks to be viewed as a pure strong-side platoon player at this stage of the season. Ivan Herrera will replace him as the Cardinals' designated hitter.
... See More... See Less
Cardinals' Alec Burleson: Idle against southpaw
Rotowire
Burleson is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Rockies.
Burleson will be joined on the bench by fellow left-handed hitter Lars Nootbaar while the Rockies send southpaw Austin Gomber to the hill. Ivan Herrera will replace Burleson as the Cardinals' designated hitter.
... See More... See Less
Cardinals' Alec Burleson: Getting rest against lefty
Rotowire
Burleson isn't in the Cardinals' lineup for Saturday's game against the Guardians.
Burleson and his .509 OPS against left-handed pitchers will remain in the dugout to begin Saturday's contest while Cleveland sends Matthew Boyd to the hill. Luken Baker will serve as the Cards' designated hitter and bat second.
Burleson is not in the lineup for Wednesday's contest versus the Reds.
Southpaw Brandon Williamson is on the hill for the Reds, so the left-handed-hitting Burleson will begin the contest on the bench. Luken Baker will occupy the designated hitter slot for St. Louis.
