Scooter Gennett Calls In Sick Cardinal Starter Daniel Poncedeleon Make Major League Debut

Manager Jim Riggleman did not write Scooter Gennett into the starting lineup against the St. Louis Cardinals Monday night.

"He's just not feeling that great.  He's under the weather a little bit; nothing major," Jim Riggleman said.  "I spoke to him a little earlier in the day.  He wasn't feeling well.  I'm going to give him a day.  If we have to use him in some capacity, we will but we'll try to stay away from him."

Gennett was leading the National League in hitting at the All-Star break but has slipped to third in the three games since.

Riggleman tabbed Brandon Dixon, who was recalled when Alex Blandino was placed on the disabled list with a torn ACL.

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Gennett took some ground balls and threw the ball a little bit before the game.

"Dixon has more recent at bats than (Dilson) Herreora has," Riggleman said.  "I wanted keep him as current as possible as far as seeing pitches."

Dixon was sent to Louisville before the All-Star break to get more frequent at bats.

"I could make a case for Herrera out there.  I like what Herrera is capable of doing with the bat but Dixon was getting more at bats lately.  That gives him a little better chance."

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The Cardinals have problems of their own.  Second baseman Kolten Wong was placed on the 10-day disabled list with a hyper extended knee.

Daniel Poncedeleon was called up to make his Major League debut against the Reds.

Poncedeleon was drafted by the Reds in 2012 and was the Cardinals ninth round choice in 2014.

On May 9, 2017, Poncedeleon was hit in the temple with a line drive while pitching for Memphis.  He did not lose consciousness but his life was threatened with a brain hemorrhage which required surgery.

He started 17 games at Memphis.  He was 9-3 with a 2.15 ERA.  In his last nine starts, Poncedeleon allowed fewer than two runs in all but one start.