Kolten Wong is set to make a pit stop in Peoria, Ill., before returning to the big leagues, according to media reports.
The St. Louis second baseman will play a Class A rehab game Thursday, and the plan is for the Hilo native to join the Cardinals on Friday for the start of a three-game series at Pittsburgh.
“He just got through with his ground balls, running the bases, they wanted him to get a slide in, batting practice,” interim manager Mike Shildt told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Wong has been on the disabled list since July 22 with left knee inflammation and was eligible to be activated Wednesday.
In 91 games this season, he’s batting .216 with seven homers, 10 doubles, two triples, 29 runs scored and 24 RBIs. While he’s struggled at times with bat, the Cardinals have been happy with Wong’s glove. He’s committed only three errors, and Shildt told the Post-Dispatch he expects Wong to resume a regular role at second.
He rehabbed for the Peoria Chiefs in three games last season, going 1-for-7 with a home run, walk, steal and two runs scored.
In Wong’s absence, Yairo Munoz (67 games, .292) and Greg Garcia (79, .236) have filled in at second for the Cardinals.