Cardinals Promote Top Prospects Crooks, Prieto Amid Burleson, Pozo Injuries

The St. Louis Cardinals have promoted two top prospects, catcher Jimmy Crooks and infielder César Prieto, to their major league roster ahead of a series against the Cincinnati Reds. Crooks, 24, has impressed with a .274/.337/.441 slash line and 14 home runs in Triple-A Memphis this season, along with strong defensive skills including throwing out nearly 30% of base stealers. Prieto, 26, offers infield depth and has a compelling personal story, having defected from Cuba in 2021. The promotions come as the Cardinals place key players Alec Burleson (wrist) and Yohel Pozo (concussion) on the injured list, creating roster spots. Both prospects are expected to make their MLB debuts soon, with Crooks possibly sharing catching duties with Pedro Pages as he adjusts to the majors. These moves aim to bolster a Cardinals offense that has struggled recently and is now without its top two hitters.