With the imminent return of Cardinals CF Michael Siani from the IL, rookie Victor Scott II’s role within the team becomes complicated. Siani was injured on August 3 with right oblique tightness and is making a five-inning rehab start on August 26 with Triple-A Memphis. In his absence, Victor Scott II, a player who struggled with the Cardinals in an earlier stint this season, has shown plus offensive and defensive value for the organization. When Siani returns, what does Scott’s role become down the stretch?
Cardinals Outfield Situation Complicates With Player Returning From IL
Where Does Siani Sit?
OF Michael Siani set to play 5 innings in center field tomorrow for Memphis
— Lynn Worthy (@LWorthySports) August 26, 2024
Siani, a waiver claim for the Cardinals in 2o23, took over the starting role in center field after the Spring Training injury to Tommy Edman. Edman eventually would not play a single game for the Cardinals in 2024, making his return from injury following a three-team deadline deal for Tommy Pham and Erick Fedde.
Siani took full advantage of the opportunity, improving his offense and cementing an everyday role in the Cardinals lineup. Through 101 games in 2024, he has slashed .256/.325/.297.
While these numbers might not match Edman’s hypothetical production, Siani’s defensive prowess outpaced even his Gold-Glove counterpart. He has posted a perfect fielding percentage this season as well as 15 OAA, putting him in the 99th percentile of all MLB fielders. His flash and consistency in CF have been a major source of stability for the Cardinals through an overall shaky season.
While there is no doubt that Siani will return to the starting lineup once he is fully healthy, Scott’s production in his absence has certainly earned him further opportunities in a struggling offense.
What happens with VSII?
The #3 prospect in the Cardinals organization, Scott’s blazing speed and clutch abilities have impressed many Cardinals fans over the past couple of weeks. With the trades involving Tommy Edman and Dylan Carlson, as well as the demotion of Jordan Walker, there should theoretically be an abundance of playing time for a platoon outfielder such as Scott.
However, the acquisition of Pham and the versatility of players such as Alec Burleson and Brendan Donovan leaves little room for Scott if he is not starting.
Admittedly, Scott’s offensive stats don’t look great on the surface, primarily due to an abysmal stretch with the team in the early weeks of the season. Through 38 games, he’s slashing .150/.266/.197. However, clutch hits including a major solo home run against the Twins on August 25 and flashy defensive plays such as this catch against the Dodgers on August 18:
#STLCards rookie CF Victor Scott II got a poor jump on this 109.6 mph missile off the bat of #Dodgers slugger Teoscar Hernandez, but he was able to cover the 64 feet needed to make the stellar catch.
Hernandez had a 93 percent hit probability on the smash, per Statcast. pic.twitter.com/B4bkIC9CDR
— John Denton (@JohnDenton555) August 18, 2024
have proven his worth to this Cardinals team. Upon Siani’s return, it is likely that Scott will be used primarily as a platoon player for the rest of the season. However, depending on where Burleson and Donovan get the largest swathes of their playing time, Scott may start in LF or RF down the stretch. Nevertheless, it is almost certain, and unfortunate, that his playing time will decrease drastically.
Main Photo Credits: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
