PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Cardinals shortstop Paul DeJong's lower back tightness will keep him out of Grapefruit League play for at least, "a few days," manager Oliver Marmol updated Wednesday before the Cardinals hit the road for an exhibition game against the Mets.
DeJong was scratched from Tuesday's lineup and replaced by prospect Masyn Winn in a road game against the Astros after he felt lower back tightness while fielding grounders. The issue is affecting DeJong's defense more than his swing, Marmol said, but the Cardinals are, for now, limiting him to treatment and weight-room work.
This is the second time a physical setback has altered DeJong's camp, a crucial one for the former All-Star who is hoping to prove swing changes can alter a seasons-long decline at the plate.