Yepez will make his debut Wednesday, starting in right field and batting fifth versus the Royals, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

EDGE Analysis

After getting the call to join the Cardinals on Tuesday, Yepez will make his major-league debut Wednesday. In 90 at-bats across the minor-leagues this season, the 24-year-old has produced a .300 batting average with 11 homers and 28 RBI. With Dylan Carlson struggling to open the 2022 campaign, Yepez could work his way into a substantial role in the Cardinals' outfield if his bat stays hot.

Yepez was recalled from Triple-A Memphis on Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

This technically isn't Yepez's first career call-up, as he was on the squad for last year's wild-card game, but he's yet to make his major-league debut. That debut probably won't come Tuesday against the Royals, as his flight isn't expected to land until late in the evening, per Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat, but he should get the chance to take the field soon. He's swung a hot bat in 21 games for Triple-A Memphis, hitting .280/.326/.634 with eight homers

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.

Yepez (face) is listed among the Cardinals' available reserves for Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the Marlins, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Though it's unclear if Yepez will actually enter the contest at any point, his inclusion on the Cardinals' travel roster is an indication that he's feeling fine after being struck in the face by a pitch Wednesday. The 23-year-old still has a chance to make the Cardinals' season-opening 28-man roster, though the team's recent addition of Albert Pujols creates one potential roadblock to at-bats at designated hitter.

Yepez departed Wednesday's Grapefruit League game against the Nationals after he was hit in the side of the face by a pitch during his eighth-inning plate appearance, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

EDGE Analysis

Yepez was examined by St. Louis' training staff before walking off the field under his own power. Prior to exiting, Yepez had gone 1-for-1 at the dish with a double, his second extra-base hit of the spring. The Cardinals will provide an update on Yepez's condition after the game, but assuming he avoided any broken facial bones, he should be on track for Opening Day. Earlier in the spring, Yepez appeared well positioned to begin the season in a near-everyday role, but his playing-time outlook may have taken a hit following the Cardinals' recent addition of Albert Pujols, who is expected to play regularly versus left-handed pitching.

Yepez will play left field in Monday's Grapefruit League game versus the Astros, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Yepez is a natural first baseman, but the Cardinals want to try him in different spots defensively since Paul Goldschmidt is a near-everyday option at first. The 24-year-old Yepez has experience in the minors at third base and the corner outfield positions as well, so he just needs to hit well to stay in the majors. He's struggled in that regard in spring training, going 3-for-17 with five walks across nine games, though the plate discipline is a plus. Yepez slashed .286/.383/.586 in 111 games between Double-A Springfield and Triple-A Memphis last year.