The St. Louis Cardinals are set for a decisive rubber match against the Chicago Cubs, and they are sticking with the hottest player in baseball after an unforgettable debut.
Rookie outfielder Joshua Báez delivered one of the most incredible first games in MLB history on Saturday, blasting three home runs in his first three major league plate appearances. The historic performance made him the first player ever to accomplish that feat, while he finished the game with five RBIs and three runs scored.
Báez became the first player in MLB history to homer in each of his first three big-league plate appearances during his debut against the Cardinals’ longtime rival Cubs.
After his record-breaking performance, the Cardinals had no reason to make changes. When St. Louis announced its lineup for Sunday’s series finale, Báez was back in the lineup, looking to continue the momentum from his historic introduction to the majors.
Joshua Báez Back in Fifth Spot for Cardinals
The Cardinals are keeping Báez in the same spot where he made history, batting fifth and starting in left field.
St. Louis’ lineup for Sunday includes:
- JJ Wetherholt – Second base
- Iván Herrera – Designated hitter
- Alec Burleson – First base
- Jordan Walker – Right field
- Joshua Báez – Left field
- Nathan Church – Center field
- Masyn Winn – Shortstop
- Jimmy Crooks – Catcher
- Brendan Donovan – Third base
Harrison Dobbins will take the mound as the starting pitcher for St. Louis.
The lineup also features a few notable changes, including Jordan Walker moving into the cleanup role, Burleson staying in the No. 3 spot, and Masyn Winn dropping into the seventh position.
Cardinals Hope Joshua Báez’s Historic Start Is Just the Beginning
While Báez’s debut was one for the record books, the young slugger was already considered one of the Cardinals’ most promising prospects before his arrival in the majors.
The Cardinals’ third-ranked prospect entered the season with a reputation as a powerful hitter with the potential to become a major offensive contributor. Several scouting outlets viewed him as one of baseball’s top 100 prospects because of his combination of size, athleticism, and raw power.
However, Báez’s journey to the majors came with some obstacles. Earlier in his development, he struggled with strikeouts and contact issues, raising questions about whether he could consistently handle advanced pitching.
Those concerns began to ease after Báez made adjustments to his swing. By simplifying his setup and creating a more efficient path to the baseball, he improved his ability to make contact without sacrificing his impressive power.
His minor league numbers showed significant progress, with his strikeout rate improving while his ability to drive the ball remained intact. Scouts believe his power gives him the potential to become a consistent 30-home-run threat if he continues refining his approach.
After one of the most memorable debuts in MLB history, Báez has quickly become one of baseball’s biggest storylines. The Cardinals are hoping Saturday’s performance was not just a special moment, but the start of a long and successful major league career.