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Cardinals' Former Top Prospect Headed Back to IL

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jacob Webb | Last updated Jun 25, 2025 6:33 PM ET

The Cardinals were hopeful that 2025 would be a breakout year for 23-year-old outfielder Jordan Walker. Three months into the season, though, it's safe to say that Walker is not having the type of season neither he nor the club was hoping for.

A former MLB No. 1 overall prospect, Walker has hit another bump in the road in his young career. For the second time in the last month, the Cardinals are placing Jordan Walker on the 10-day IL, this time with appendicitis.

Since returning from the IL on June 14, Walker is slashing a measly .167/.211/.167. In 55 games this year, he's hitting just .210 with a .562 OPS.

As the corresponding move for Walker, St. Louis is recalling infielder José Fermín.

After appearing in 21 games for the Cardinals in 2023 and 45 games in 2024, this is the first time Fermín has joined the big-league club this year.

Fermín is hitting .308 with a .914 OPS and five homers in 55 games this season with Triple-A Memphis.

The other move the Cardinals announced on Wednesday afternoon is that they are recalling RHP Matt Svanson and, in turn, optioning Michael McGreevy back to Memphis.

RHP Matt Svanson and INF José Fermín have been recalled from Memphis (AAA).

RHP Michael McGreevy has been optioned to Memphis.

OF Jordan Walker has been placed on the 10-day IL (appendicitis), retroactive to 6/23. pic.twitter.com/xdvwwAg3yr
— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) June 25, 2025

McGreevy made a spot start against the Cubs on Tuesday night, where he went 4 2/3 innings and allowed five runs en route to an 8-7 Cardinals win.

As for Svanson, this is already the fourth time this season he's been recalled from Triple-A. In 13 2/3 MLB innings this year, he has a 3.95 ERA and a 1.10 WHIP.

With the Cardinals' bullpen being heavily used as of late, Svanson will likely make an appearance in one of the final two games against the Cubs.

Game three of the four-game series between the Cardinals and Cubs is set for 6:45 p.m. CST tonight at Busch Stadium.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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