Nolan Gorman was sent from the St. Louis Cardinals to Triple-A Memphis on August 22 due to his disappointing performance, posting a .203/.271/.400 slash line in the majors. After his demotion, Gorman quickly improved his play in Memphis, achieving a .292/.320/.583 line in just six games, with two home runs and a significantly reduced strikeout rate of 21%. This turnaround emphasizes the widening gap between Major League Baseball and the minors, reinforcing the idea that players can struggle against higher-level pitching. Gorman's streaky hitting history raises questions about the effectiveness of the Cardinals’ coaching staff and development strategies. His recent success offers hope for both his future and the Cardinals' lineup.

By the Numbers
  • Gorman's MLB stats before demotion: .203/.271/.400 with an OPS+ of 84.
  • Gorman's Triple-A stats: .292/.320/.583 with two home runs in 25 plate appearances.
Yes, But

While Gorman's success in Memphis is promising, it also raises questions about his earlier struggles and whether they were influenced by inadequate Major League coaching. The Cardinals have a history of players struggling with offensive production under their current hitting coach, which may contribute to Gorman’s challenges.

State of Play
  • Nolan Gorman's strikeout rate dropped significantly to 21% in Triple-A.
  • Other players in Memphis, like Thomas Saggese and Luken Baker, are also performing well.
What's Next

If Gorman maintains his improved performance, he could earn a swift return to the majors and secure a crucial role in the Cardinals' future lineup. Continued success could also lend credence to changes needed in the Cardinals' coaching philosophy.

Bottom Line

Gorman’s impressive showing in Memphis highlights both his potential and the urgency for the Cardinals to reassess their developmental strategies. His progress not only boosts his own confidence but also holds significant implications for the team's offensive rebuilding efforts.