Saggese is in the mix to start games in left field for the Cardinals while Lars Nootbaar (heels) is shelved, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

EDGE Analysis

An infielder by trade, Saggese learned the outfield on the fly this spring and missed out on some development time while on Team Italy's roster for the World Baseball Classic. However, he showed enough aptitude defensively in the outfield and also had a .907 OPS this spring to convince the Cardinals to carry him on the Opening Day roster. Nathan Church and Jose Fermin will also see action in left field, and Fermin and Saggese are options to play several other positions, as well. Nootbaar is being evaluated for potential placement on the 60-day injured list, so the trio of competitors could have ample time to make a good impression.

Saggese is drawing his first-ever start in left field in Thursday's Grapefruit League contest versus the Astros, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

EDGE Analysis

Saggese has never played the outfield as a professional but is getting a crash course there during spring training. He's expected to soon receive a start in center field, as well, before departing Cardinals camp in order to play for Team Italy in the World Baseball Classic. St. Louis has been on the hunt for a right-handed-hitting outfielder, but they signed righty infielder Ramon Urias instead, in part because they like how Saggese and Jose Fermin have looked in the outfield this spring. With Lars Nootbaar (heels) likely headed for a stint on the injured list to begin the season, Saggese could see some playing time in left field early on.

Cardinals president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom said Saturday that the signing of Ramon Urias could lead to more playing time in the outfield for Saggese, Brian Murphy of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Saggese has never played the outfield in pro ball, but he's been working out there during spring training and could see starts in the outfield, especially against lefties. The 23-year-old also figures to see some starts at designated hitter, or in the field while others are getting a DH day. Saggese has hit only .250/.292/.336 with a 28 percent strikeout rate in his first 100 games in the majors.

Cardinals president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom said Tuesday that Saggese could factor into the team's outfield mix this season, Brandon Kiley of 101 ESPN St. Louis reports.

EDGE Analysis

Saggese has only played the infield to this point in his professional career. Adding to his versatility would give Saggese more avenues to playing time, particularly since the Cardinals are light on right-handed-hitting outfielders. Saggese has slashed a disappointing .250/.292/.336 with a 28 percent strikeout rate in his first 100 games at the big-league level, but he'll turn just 24 in April and was a .288/.358/.485 hitter in the minors.

Saggese went 3-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored during the Cardinals' 9-8 extra-inning loss to the Brewers on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Saturday marked Saggese's fourth game this season that he logged at least three hits, two of which have come over his last three games. Saggese has started at shortstop in four consecutive games and will be the starter moving forward after Masynn Winn (knee) was shut down for the rest of the season. Saggese has gone 11-for-39 (.282) with four RBI, three doubles and a steal since Sept. 1.

Saggese will take over as the Cardinals' primary shortstop with Masyn Winn (knee) being shut down for the season, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

EDGE Analysis

With Brendan Donovan back from the injured list and at second base Friday, Saggese had appeared set for his playing time to dip. However, he's now needed at shortstop, which should keep him in the lineup on a regular basis down the stretch. Saggese has been unable to capitalize on regular reps since the start of August, slashing just .262/.305/.311 with no home runs and a 40:7 K:BB.

Saggese is absent from the lineup for Tuesday's contest against the Athletics.

EDGE Analysis

Saggese had started every game since Aug. 8 and has a modest five-game hitting streak going, but he made a pair of errors in Monday's loss to the Athletics. Jose Fermin will cover second base and bat seventh for St. Louis.

Saggese went 3-for-4 with a steal, an RBI and two runs scored in Tuesday's win over the Marlins.

EDGE Analysis

Saggese notched a base hit in each of his first three at-bats, though the exit velocity did not top 80 mph on any of his knocks. He's been making good contact in August with a .300 batting average in 15 games and figures to see extended playing time in the short term with Brendan Donovan (groin) on the injured list while Nolan Gorman mans third base in the absence of Nolan Arenado (shoulder).

Saggese will start at second base and bat seventh in Monday's game against the Marlins.

EDGE Analysis

With Brendan Donovan (groin) landing on the injured list after sitting out each of the Cardinals' previous three contests, Saggese looks to have some short-term security in St. Louis' everyday lineup. Saggese will draw a ninth straight start Monday, after he went 9-for-30 (.300 average) with two RBI, three runs and one stolen base over the previous eight contests. However, Saggese has posted a .409 BABIP and a 0:8 BB:K during that eight-game stretch, so his overall production could look less appealing once his good fortune on balls in play inevitably takes a turn for the worse.

Saggese will bat seventh and play second base Friday against the Yankees, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Saggese was thrust into the starting nine late Friday afternoon after Brendan Donovan was scratched with a foot injury. Saggese will look to extend his six-game hit streak.