The St. Louis Cardinals have several question marks entering the 2023 season.
Many of those questions are centered around shortstop Paul DeJong, who lost his starting job last season with the team when he was sent down to Triple-A Memphis.
DeJong returned late in the season, but still wasn’t quite himself.
As a result, he finds himself battling for a roster spot in spring training.
But a recent video of him taking swings against right-hander Andre Pallante may have some fans encouraged by his progress.
John Denton of MLB.com tweeted a video of DeJong putting a charge into one and taking Pallante deep in batting practice.
In this video #STLCards SS Paul DeJong jumps on a first pitch from Andre Pallante and hits a home run. DeJong has reworked his swing, featuring a minimal stride for better balance and timing. DeJong will play lots in Spring Training with 19 players at the WBC. pic.twitter.com/ZbNV0P1ahw
— John Denton (@JohnDenton555) February 21, 2023
This is more like the DeJong that Cardinals fans are used to seeing.
His stance looks slightly different, and he sure put a good swing on Pallante’s pitch.
This offseason, the former All-Star has attempted to rework his swing, opting for less of a leg kick in order to create better timing and balance.
If this video is any indication, then Cardinals fans will certainly be pleased to see the strides the former slugger has made.
He’ll get plenty of opportunities this spring to prove himself with so many players away for the World Baseball Classic.
If he’s right, then he could prove to be the spark off the bench that St. Louis so desperately needs.
Ultimately, games will be the true test.
DeJong looked more like his old self in the video, but he’ll have to prove his worth in spring training, and this may be his final shot.
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Nolan Arenado Is Spotted Putting In The Work This Spring
