The Cardinals optioned Yepez to Triple-A Memphis on Thursday, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

EDGE Analysis

Yepez turned in a .971 OPS over 356 plate appearances at Memphis last season and appeared to be firmly in the mix for a role with the big club heading into the upcoming campaign, but St. Louis' late-spring additions of Corey Dickerson and Albert Pujols likely ended the 23-year-old's bid for the Opening Day roster. Since Yepez doesn't have much left to prove in the minors, he should be near the top of the list for a promotion if the Cardinals lose Pujols, Dickerson or their projected starters at first base (Paul Goldschmidt) and the corner-outfield spots (Dylan Carlson and Tyler O'Neill) for any period of time.