Dylan Carlson
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MLB Player Data
DateNewsComment
Jun 28 2025The Orioles optioned Carlson to Triple-A Norfolk on Saturday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson started four of Baltimore's past seven games but went 2-for-17 at the plate during that span. He's posted a .667 OPS across 115 major-league plate appearances this season and will now get a chance to work on his stroke in the minors. In a corresponding move, infielder Emmanuel Rivera had his contract selected from Norfolk.
Jun 23 2025Carlson is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Rangers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Though he'll be in danger of fading into a fourth-outfielder role once Tyler O'Neill (shoulder) makes his return from the injured list, Carlson has been a fairly stable presence in the lineup in recent weeks. He'll be on the bench for the series opener versus Texas but had started in eight of the previous 11 games while slashing .367/.367/.500 with a home run and a steal during that stretch.
Jun 18 2025Carlson is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Rays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson had made starts in the corner outfield in each of the last six games and went 9-for-21 with a solo home run, a stolen base and three additional runs, but he'll hit the bench Wednesday while Baltimore rolls out an outfield of Colton Cowser, Cedric Mullins and Ramon Laureano from left to right. Ryan O'Hearn will serve as Baltimore's designated hitter Wednesday, but if he ends up seeing the bulk of his playing time at first base moving forward, the Orioles could cycle a number of players at the DH spot to afford Carlson regular playing time in the outfield.
Jun 12 2025Carlson went 3-for-3 with a solo home run during Thursday's 4-1 loss to the Tigers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: While the rest of his team struggled immensely with Tarik Skubal and the Tigers pitching staff, Carlson had no such struggles. The 26-year-old accounted for three of the team's four hits and the only run for the Orioles, knocking out his fourth home run of the season in the eighth. Carlson is slashing .247/.300/.452 for the year, trying to make the case that he should still see regular playing time despite the Orioles now close to full health in the outfield with Tyler O'Neill (shoulder) on a rehab assignment and looking to return soon.
Jun 11 2025Carlson is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Tigers, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson had made 14 consecutive starts from May 24 through this past Sunday and slashed .292/.346/.542 with three home runs and a stolen base during that stretch, but he looks like he'll have to settle for a fourth-outfielder role after the Orioles brought Cedric Mullins back from the injured list Tuesday. With Mullins back in the fold, Carlson will hit the bench for the second game in a row, and his playing-time outlook will only worsen once Tyler O'Neill (shoulder) -- who is in the midst of a rehab assignment -- gets activated from the IL.
Jun 6 2025Carlson went 1-for-2 with a two-run home run and two walks in Friday's 5-4 loss to the Athletics. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson has gone 4-for-16 (.250) with two walks and three RBI over his first five games in June. The outfielder opened the scoring with his second-inning blast Friday. He's up to three long balls, 11 RBI, six runs scored, three doubles and one stolen base while batting .222 with a .688 OPS through 69 plate appearances this season.
Jun 1 2025Carlson will start in left field and bat sixth in Sunday's game against the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With injuries mounting in the Baltimore outfield, Carlson has been one of the primary beneficiaries. He'll start an eighth straight game Sunday after going 9-for-25 with two home runs, two doubles, six RBI, four runs and a stolen base over the previous seven contests. The Orioles are expected to get Colton Cowser (thumb) back from the injured list shortly, but his return could result in fewer opportunities for Heston Kjerstad or Jorge Mateo rather than Carlson.
May 26 2025Carlson went 2-for-4 with a three-run homer, a steal and an additional run scored Monday's 5-2 win over the Cardinals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Baltimore outfielder had a big day against one of his former clubs, pushing the Orioles' lead to 5-0 with a 397-foot, three-run homer off St. Louis starter Erick Fedde in the fourth. Carlson also swiped his first bag of the season earlier in the third inning. The 26-year-old is now slashing .176/.216/.382 with two homers, seven RBI and four runs scored over 37 plate appearances.
May 18 2025The Orioles recalled Carlson from Triple-A Norfolk on Sunday, Andy Kostka of TheBaltimoreBanner.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 26-year-old was demoted to Norfolk on Wednesday but will quickly return to Baltimore with Tyler O'Neill (shoulder) headed to the injured list. Carlson has gone 0-for-15 with eight strikeouts while appearing in just 10 games for Baltimore this season. He'll provide some outfield depth but isn't likely to have a regular spot in the lineup even while O'Neill is sidelined.
May 14 2025The Orioles optioned Carlson to Triple-A Norfolk on Wednesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson is clearing out to make room on the roster for the return of infielder Ramon Urias (hamstring) from the 10-day injured list. The 26-year-old outfielder has gone hitless in 15 at-bats during his time with the big club this season.
Apr 4 2025The Orioles optioned Carlson to Triple-A Norfolk on Friday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 26-year-old was called up by Baltimore on Monday but will return to Norfolk with Gunnar Henderson (intercostal) coming off the injured list. Carlson appeared in two games during his brief time in the majors and went 0-for-4 with a walk, an RBI, a run and four strikeouts.
Mar 31 2025The Orioles recalled Carlson from Triple-A Norfolk on Monday, Jacob Calvin Meyer of The Baltimore Sun reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Despite posting a 1.071 OPS in Grapefruit League play, Carlson was unable to secure a spot on the Orioles' Opening Day roster, but he didn't have to wait long for a call-up after Colton Cowser fractured his left thumb Sunday and landed on the injured list a day later. Heston Kjerstad is likely first in line to replace Cowser in the lineup when the Orioles face right-handed pitching, but the switch-hitting Carlson could end up filling the short side of a platoon in the outfield with either Kjerstad or Cedric Mullins.
Mar 23 2025The Orioles optioned Carlson to Triple-A Norfolk on Sunday, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 26-year-old inked a one-year, $975,000 deal with Baltimore in January and had a 1.071 OPS in 18 games during spring training, but he'll be the odd man out of the outfield to begin the season. Carlson will begin the season at Norfolk while Ramon Laureano opens as the Orioles' No. 5 outfielder.
Mar 20 2025Carlson is batting 8-for-29 (.320) with two home runs, eight RBI and two stolen bases this spring, but Jacob Calvin Meyer of The Baltimore Sun doesn't project the outfielder as part of Baltimore's Opening Day Roster. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Meyer instead lists Ramon Laureano, who has gone just 6-for-30 (.200) with one homer and three RBI in spring training, as his expected Orioles' fifth outfielder. Both players were signed to one-year contracts this past offseason, and it would be more surprising to see Laureano make the cut over Carlson based on their Grapefruit League showings. With that said, neither Carlson nor Laureano would enter the season with much fantasy relevance while functioning on a weak-side platoon in a lefty-heavy outfield.
Jan 27 2025The Orioles signed Carlson to a one-year, $975,000 contract Monday, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He'll earn an additional $25,000 if he gets to 200 plate appearances. Carlson was non-tendered by the Rays earlier this offseason after finishing the 2024 season with an ugly .209/.287/.277 batting line over 96 contests between St. Louis and Tampa Bay. The switch hitter has had just one healthy and productive season in the majors and that was his rookie year back in 2021. However, Carlson is still just 26 and has hit .285/.361/.431 versus left-handed pitching, so he could be a useful short-side platoon bat for the Orioles.
Nov 22 2024Carlson was non-tendered by the Rays on Friday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson was dealt to the Rays at the trade deadline and posted a .615 OPS, which was an improvement from his first half of the season with the Cardinals. Given his pedigree, and because he's still only 26 years old, Carlson will likely get a big-league deal. However, his career 94 wRC+ and .304 wOBA likely mean he'll struggle to find regular playing time without showing improvement at the plate.
Sep 30 2024Carlson went 3-for-4 with an RBI on Sunday against the Red Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson has started only 12 of 27 games in September while working as a depth outfielder, but he ended his season on a strong note. He hit only .219 with a .615 OPS after being dealt to the Rays, so he could remain a bench bat for the team heading into 2025.
Sep 9 2024Carlson will start at designated hitter and bat second in Monday's game versus the Phillies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson hasn't started often over the last few weeks with the Rays taking on a righty-heavy schedule, but he'll be up in the two hole versus southpaw Cristopher Sanchez in Monday's series opener. He has a .642 OPS with three home runs in 91 plate appearances since joining Tampa Bay.
Aug 21 2024Carlson isn't in the Rays' lineup for Wednesday's game against the Athletics, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson has slashed .267/.353/.489 with three homers and nine RBI across 51 plate appearances since joining the Rays, but he'll step out of the lineup for a second consecutive game Wednesday. While he sits, Josh Lowe, Jose Siri and Jonny DeLuca will serve as the Rays' starting trio in the outfield.
Aug 20 2024Carlson is not in the lineup for Tuesday's game at Oakland, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts during Monday's contest and will sit for the second time in Tampa Bay's past three games. Josh Lowe, Jose Siri and Jonny DeLuca will start from left to right in the outfield Tuesday for the Rays.
Aug 18 2024Carlson is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Diamondbacks, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After being acquired from the Cardinals at the trade deadline, Carlson has enjoyed the change of scenery and has a .913 OPS with three homers in 13 games with the Rays. He'll receive a breather Sunday as Kameron Misner gets a start in left field.
Aug 16 2024Carlson went 2-for-4 with a solo homer, a steal and an additional RBI in Friday's 5-4 victory over Arizona. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The switch hitter picked up his third homer since joining Tampa Bay at the trade deadline with a 379-foot solo shot in the fifth inning. Carlson later plated his 19th RBI of the season with a run-scoring single in the eighth before pilfering his first bag with his new team. Since joining the Rays, the 25-year-old has batted .265 (9-for-34) with four runs scored, eight RBI and 3:10 BB:K while playing in a part-time role.
Aug 11 2024Carlson is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Orioles. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson will hit the bench after he had started in each of the Rays' last four games while going 3-for-13 with a home run and a pair of walks. Though he hasn't quite moved into a full-time role in the Tampa Bay outfield just yet, Carlson seems to be pushing the struggling Jose Siri for a regular spot. Siri will man center field Sunday, but he had been out of the lineup for two of the past three games, with the Rays facing right-handed starters on both occasions.
Aug 2 2024Carlson went 1-for-3 with a two-run homer in Friday's 3-2 loss to the Astros. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson took Yusei Kikuchi deep in the opening frame for his first home run since June of last season. After slashing .198/.275/.240 in 59 games with the Cardinals, he needed just two games to hit his first homer as a member of the Rays. Carlson should get plenty of opportunities with the Rays given all their recent moves during the trade deadline.
Jul 30 2024The Rays acquired Carlson from the Cardinals on Tuesday in exchange for reliever Shawn Armstrong, Ken Rosenthal of The Athleticreports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson will receive a much-needed change of scenery after posting a .198/.275/.240 slash line in 59 games for the Cardinals this season. The 25-year-old is under team control for beyond 2024, and the Rays will attempt to return him to the form that earned him a third-place finish in voting for NL Rookie of the Year in 2021.
Jul 8 2024Carlson is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Nationals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson started the first three games of the series versus lefties but went just 1-for-11 with six strikeouts. He'll begin the series finale on the bench as the Nationals send another southpaw, Mitchell Parker, to the hill. Lars Nootbaar was activated from the injured list Monday and will take back his usual spot in right field, while Michael Siani covers center field.
Jul 7 2024Carlson will start in center field and bat eighth in Sunday's game against the Nationals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The switch-hitting Carlson will make his fourth consecutive start, with all coming against left-handed pitching. Carlson hasn't started against a right-handed pitcher since June 24 and still looks to be stuck in a short-side platoon role. He heads into Sunday's game with a .198/.273/.245 slash line and a 24 percent strikeout rate over 121 plate appearances on the season.
Jun 7 2024Carlson went 2-for-4 with a double and three RBI in Friday's victory over Colorado. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson enjoyed his best game of the season, notching three RBI in a contest for the first time since June 20, 2023. The 25-year-old outfielder tied the game in the sixth with an RBI single before knocking a decisive two-run double in the eighth to extend the St. Louis lead to 8-5. Perhaps this success will spur on Carlson as he entered the night slashing .128/.241/.128 over 54 plate appearances.
Jun 3 2024Carlson is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Astros. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson started in right field in each of the Cardinals' three games in Philadelphia over the weekend, going 1-for-9 with a walk. Though the Cardinals have an opening in the outfield while Lars Nootbaar (oblique) is out indefinitely, the team will get Brendan Donovan (neck) back from a three-game absence Monday. Donovan is starting in left field and will be joined in the outfield by Mike Siani and Alec Burleson, who could continue to play ahead of the switch-hitting Carlson against right-handed pitching.
May 31 2024Carlson is starting in right field and batting eighth for Friday's game against the Phillies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson was originally set to sit Friday, but he was inserted into the lineup after Brendan Donovan was scratched due to neck stiffness. Carlson is hitting .139/.244/.139 since being activated off the injured list due to a left shoulder sprain May 5.
May 12 2024Carlson is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Brewers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: When he was activated from the 10-day injured list last Sunday, Carlson looked as though he would get a chance to start in center field on an everyday basis. However, just one week later, the Cardinals have seemingly pulled the plug on Carlson as their primary option in center, with either Mike Siani or Lars Nootbaar having drawn the last five starts at the position. Both of Carlson's two starts in the last five games came in right field, and it appears that he could be relegated to a short-side platoon role.
May 11 2024Carlson is not in Saturday's lineup against the Brewers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Matt Carpenter (oblique) was activated from the injured list and is starting at designated hitter Saturday while Alec Burleson starts in right field. Carlson may get most of his starts against lefties going forward if the Cardinals intend to typically deploy Carpenter and Burleson against righties.
May 5 2024Carlson (shoulder) was activated from the 10-day injured list and is starting in center field and batting fifth Sunday against the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 25-year-old missed the first five weeks of the season due to a sprained left shoulder, but he's back with the Cardinals after going 3-for-11 with three walks and a solo homer during a four-game rehab stint with Triple-A Memphis. Carlson should step in as St. Louis' primary center fielder, at least until Tommy Edman (wrist) makes his own return from the injured list.
May 4 2024Carlson (shoulder) will be activated from the 10-day injured list prior to Sunday's game against the White Sox, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson completed a rehab assignment with Triple-A Memphis and got through a workout at Busch Stadium on Saturday to clear the way for his season debut. The 25-year-old missed the first month-plus of the season with a sprained AC joint in his left shoulder. With Tommy Edman (wrist) still out, Carlson should see the bulk of the starts in center field for St. Louis. However, it's possible the club could ease him into a full-time role.
May 3 2024Carlson (shoulder) will play nine innings in the field for Triple-A Memphis on Friday, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson has started as the designated hitter in two of his last three games with Memphis, though he did start in center field Wednesday. He'll reprise that role Friday against Triple-A Charlotte and will attempt to stay in the outfield for the entire game. In his last outing with Memphis on Thursday, Carlson went 2-for-3 with a solo home run.
Apr 28 2024Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said Carlson (shoulder) will report to Triple-A Memphis on Tuesday or Wednesday to begin a rehab assignment, John Denton of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson is finally ready to test himself in an uncontrolled game setting after he completed an extensive ramp-up program as he works his way back from an AC joint sprain in his left shoulder, which he suffered late in spring training. Given that he's been on the 10-day injured list throughout the first month of the season, Carlson will presumably stick with Memphis throughout the coming week before potentially making his 2024 big-league debut the following week. Whenever he's activated, Carlson will likely unseat Mike Siani as the Cardinals' everyday center fielder, a role that Carlson should hold at least until Tommy Edman (wrist) is ready to come off the IL.
Apr 23 2024Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said Carlson (shoulder) took batting practice from both sides of the plate Monday and could start a minor-league rehab assignment within days, Lynn Worthy of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Cardinals are expected to re-evaluate Carlson on Tuesday to see how he responded to his latest live BP session, but if his left shoulder isn't causing any issues, the 25-year-old could be cleared for game action. Carlson appears further along in his recovery from the shoulder injury than Tommy Edman does in his recovery from wrist surgery, so Carlson could end up settling in as St. Louis' primary center fielder if he beats Edman back from the 10-day injured list.
Apr 19 2024Carlson (shoulder) has taken swings from both sides of the plate during batting practice and has also resumed throwing, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson is still reportedly feeling pain during his right-handed swing, but he seems to be making solid progress overall in his recovery. The Cardinals still have not set a timeline for the 25-year-old's return, but he will almost certainly have to embark on a rehab assignment before he makes his season debut.
Apr 15 2024Carlson (shoulder) was expected to hit off a tee Monday and will progress to soft toss this week, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The outfielder is in the very early stages of his ramp-up after being shut down for over two weeks following a March 29 cortisone injection in his left shoulder. He will need to advance to batting practice and ultimately face high velocity before the team can start plotting out the when and where of a minor-league rehab assignment.
Apr 12 2024Cardinals manager Oli Marmol said Friday that Carlson (shoulder) will ramp up his rehab process Monday, John Denton of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson has not resumed baseball activities since receiving a cortisone injection in his left shoulder March 29. Marmol noted that Carlson and Tommy Edman (wrist) will begin their rehab process by hitting off the tee and on soft tosses from coaches. Carslon appeared in 76 games for the Cardinals last season, slashing .219/.318/.333 with five home runs and 27 RBI over 255 plate appearances.
Apr 8 2024Carlson (shoulder) has yet to be cleared to begin baseball activities, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson is still working on strengthening his left shoulder as he comes back from a sprained AC joint. Victor Scott has struggled, but Lars Nootbaar (ribs) is nearing a return and Tommy Edman (wrist) is progressing, so Carlson's window for starter's at-bats might have closed by the time he's healthy.
Apr 6 2024Carlson will have his left shoulder examined by team doctors Saturday, John Denton of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson has yet to resume baseball activities since injuring his shoulder during a spring training game March 25, and his checkup Saturday may help determine when he will be able to begin ramping back up.
Apr 1 2024Carlson (shoulder) is participating in strengthening exercises but has yet to be cleared for baseball activities, John Denton of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson received a cortisone injection in his left shoulder Friday and is continuing to work his way back from a sprain. The club should have a better idea of his next steps once he gets the green light to begin ramping back up.
Mar 29 2024Carlson received a cortisone injection in his left shoulder Friday, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Jones will rest over the next few days before ramping up his activity. He was placed on the 10-day IL on Wednesday after sustaining a sprained AC joint in his left shoulder when he collided with Jordan Walker in the outfield March 25. Victor Scott got the start in center field Opening Day on Thursday with Carlson, Lars Nootbaar (rib) and Tommy Edman (wrist) all on the IL.
Mar 27 2024The Cardinals placed Carlson (shoulder) on the 10-day injured list Wednesday, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Since Carlson's IL stint is backdated to Tuesday, he'll be eligible for activation in advance of the Cardinals' ninth game of the regular season April 6 versus the Marlins, but he'll most likely need additional time beyond that date to recover from a left AC joint sprain. With Lars Nootbaar (rib) and Tommy Edman (wrist) joining Carlson on the IL to begin the season, prospect Victor Scott will be included on the Opening Day roster and is expected to fill a full-time role in center field.
Mar 26 2024Carlson has been diagnosed with a sprained AC joint in his left shoulder and will begin the season on the 10-day injured list, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson suffered the injury on an outfield collision with teammate Jordan Walker during Monday's exhibition game against the Cubs. Goold says Carlson is expected to be sidelined for weeks, rather than months. It seems likely that Lars Nootbaar (ribs) and perhaps Tommy Edman (wrist) will beat him back, which means Carlson could be set for a reserve role when he returns. Victor Scott will take Carlson's spot on the roster and will be the Opening Day center fielder.
Mar 25 2024Carlson left Monday's exhibition game versus the Cubs due to a left shoulder injury, John Denton of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson left Monday's contest after colliding with Jordan Walker in the outfield, in which the former landed hard on his left arm. Carlson left the field with trainers, and the severity of the injury has yet to be determined. If the injury is severe enough for Carlson to miss the beginning of the regular season, Mike Siani could see some starts in center field, as Tommy Edman (wrist) and Lars Nootbaar (ribs) are also out.
Mar 4 2024Carlson would be in line to start in center field for the Cardinals on Opening Day if Tommy Edman (wrist) isn't ready, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It's looking increasingly likely that Edman will need a stint on the injured list, and the Cards prefer to keep Lars Nootbaar in left field rather than shifting him over to center. Carlson would be atop the center field depth chart in that scenario, at least initially. The 25-year-old is coming back from surgery himself, having had his ankle operated on in September. He's been full-go since the start of the Grapefruit League schedule, though. Carlson is expected to be the team's fourth outfielder once everyone is healthy.
Feb 24 2024Carlson (ankle) started in center field in Saturday's split-squad Grapefruit League game versus the Marlins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It's an encouraging sign that Carlson is ready to go at full speed for the start of the spring slate. The 25-year-old outfielder doesn't have a projected starting role yet, but he should get plenty of time in center early in the spring with Tommy Edman (wrist) not yet cleared to play the field. A switch hitter, Carlson should be able to carve out a sizeable role this season even if he begins as a fourth outfielder.
Feb 21 2024Carlson (ankle) will run the bases Wednesday in addition to taking live batting practice and shagging flyballs, John Denton of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol noted that running the bases is the final box Carlson needs to check before being fully cleared following last September's left ankle surgery. It's not clear when Carlson might play in his first Grapefruit League contest, but he would appear to be only slightly behind a normal spring training routine.
Feb 19 2024Carlson's running will be limited initially this spring following September left ankle surgery, John Denton of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson was cleared back in December to do some running, but the Cardinals are seemingly planning on a slow ramp-up process for the outfielder in spring training. The 25-year-old shouldn't have trouble being ready to go for Opening Day in late March, though. He projects to begin the season as St. Louis' fourth outfielder.
Jan 11 2024The Cardinals and Carlson (ankle) avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $2.35 million contract Thursday, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson was arbitration-eligible for the first time. The 25-year-old had a second straight injury-shortened, disappointing season in 2023 which ended with ankle surgery. Carlson should be at or close to 100 percent for spring training and is slated to operate as a fourth outfielder in St. Louis.
Dec 5 2023Carlson (ankle) has been cleared for running and baseball activities, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson underwent left ankle surgery in September and is currently rehabbing in the Phoenix area. In addition to ramping up his baseball activities, the switch-hitter is also working on his swing with a coach from Driveline. Carlson is currently projected as the Cardinals' fourth outfielder but has been mentioned as a possible trade chip.
Sep 22 2023Carlson (ankle) was transferred Friday from the 10-day injured list to the 60-day injured list. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: This is just a procedural move, as Carlson had already been ruled out for the remainder of the season after undergoing surgery Wednesday to repair his troublesome left ankle. The 24-year-old outfielder is expected to be ready for the start of spring training next February.
Sep 20 2023Carlson underwent scheduled surgery Wednesday on his left ankle, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The surgeons cleaned out bone spurs from Carlson's troublesome ankle and also performed an arthroscopic repair. The 24-year-old outfielder is expected to be fully recovered by the beginning of spring training in 2024.
Sep 13 2023Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol announced Wednesday that Carlson will undergo season-ending surgery on his left ankle, Lynn Worthy of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson has been bothered by left ankle discomfort since mid-May and will go ahead and address the issue here in mid-September with the goal of being 100 percent healthy for the beginning of spring training next February. The 24-year-old outfielder posted a rough .219/.318/.333 batting line with five homers, 27 RBI, three steals and 27 runs in 76 games (255 plate appearances) this season for St. Louis.
Sep 7 2023Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said Thursday that Carlson (oblique/ankle) is taking light batting practice and doing defensive work, John Denton of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson has been sidelined since mid-August due to both a left oblique strain and a lingering left ankle injury, but he seems to have a good shot at returning to the active roster in the closing weeks of the regular season. He's posted a disappointing .219/.318/.333 batting line with five homers and three steals across 76 games this year for St. Louis.
Aug 30 2023Carlson has upped his activity level recently after receiving a cortisone injection in his injured left ankle last week, Lynn Worthy of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson is also coming back from an oblique strain, but a sprained ankle which he originally suffered back in May is the bigger concern at this point. Surgery on the ankle has not been ruled out, but the outfielder is still holding out hope for a late-season return. "We've been ramping up activity a little bit as far as just being able to do some basic movements, general activity, some squatting, different things like that, put some more strain on the body and see how it reacts," Carlson said.
Aug 22 2023Carlson (ankle/oblique) said Tuesday that he's hoping to play again this season, John Denton of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson is working back from both a Grade 2 left oblique strain and a lingering left ankle injury, the latter of which could eventually require surgery. He'll receive an injection for the ankle this week and is aiming to pick up the intensity of his side work over the next 10 days. If he does return to the Cardinals' active roster before the end of the year, it probably won't be until at least mid-September.
Aug 21 2023Carlson, who is also dealing with an oblique injury, could undergo surgery on his left ankle, John Denton of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The ankle has bothered Carlson since mid-May and remains an issue, and he is set to receive an opinion from a different specialist than he saw previously. Carlson could require a procedure to move past the injury, and in that scenario it would be tough to envision him playing again this season.
Aug 15 2023Carlson (oblique) is experiencing renewed soreness in the ankle he sprained in May and there is no timetable for his return from the injured list, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson was placed on the 10-day IL this past Saturday because of an oblique strain, but his left ankle might be even more of a concern given that he sprained it three months ago and is not fully recovered as of mid-August. He can probably be ruled out until at least early September as he rehabs both injuries.
Aug 12 2023Carlson is expected to be out for "at least a couple of weeks" with a strained left oblique, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson said he felt something after taking a swing during Wednesday's win over the Rays, and he has been out of action since then as a result. It appears Carlson will require longer than a minimum stint on the injured list, but a return in September is still possible.
Aug 10 2023Carlson is out of the lineup Thursday at Tampa Bay. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson drew a start in center field Wednesday after Tyler O'Neill (knee) had to be scratched, but O'Neill is back in action for Thursday's series finale. Carlson carries a disappointing .219/.318/.333 batting line through 255 plate appearances this season and has mostly occupied a fourth-outfielder role for the Cardinals in recent weeks.
Aug 9 2023Carlson was added to the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Rays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson had been set to ride the pine versus the Rays and left-hander Jalen Beeks, but he will now start in center field and bat eighth after Tyler O'Neill (knee) was again scratched. Alec Burleson is in left field, Jordan Walker is in right and Lars Nootbaar will serve as the Cardinals' designated hitter.
Aug 2 2023Carlson is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Twins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson stayed put at the trade deadline and ended up starting in center field in Tuesday's 3-2 loss, but because the Cardinals didn't deal away any of their other outfielders, his outlook for playing time over the rest of the season hasn't dramatically changed. Brendan Donovan's (elbow) season-ending injury might indirectly help Carlson, though the opening that St. Louis now has in its lineup could end up being filled by Alec Burleson, who is serving as the Cardinals' designated hitter Wednesday. Carlson should at least continue to play regularly against left-handed pitching.
Aug 1 2023Carlson is starting in center field and batting ninth Tuesday versus the Twins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson has been drawing trade interest, most notably from the Yankees, but it looks like he will remain with the Cardinals through Tuesday's 6 p.m. ET deadline. The 24-year-old former top prospect has posted a disappointing .230/.328/.345 batting line with five homers and three steals through 69 games this season.
Jul 24 2023Carlson went 2-for-4 with two RBI in Sunday's 7-2 loss to the Cubs. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson has been in the lineup twice in four games since Tyler O'Neill returned from a back injury, so it appears he could still carve out decent playing time despite being in a fourth outfielder role. Carlson snapped an 0-for-8 skid at the plate with his two-hit game, and his pair of RBI accounted for all of the Cardinals' runs. He's at a .238/.343/.362 slash line with five home runs, 23 RBI, 25 runs scored and three stolen bases over 216 plate appearances. If Lars Nootbaar (heel) misses any time after exiting Sunday's game, Carlson would be the logical replacement in center field.
Jul 20 2023Carlson is not in the starting lineup Thursday versus the Cubs. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: As anticipated, Carlson has been pushed into a fourth-outfielder role with Tyler O'Neill (back) returning from the 60-day injured list. O'Neill is in left field Thursday and hitting seventh as the Cardinals open a four-game set at Wrigley Field.
Jul 18 2023Carlson went 2-for-4 with a double, a walk, one RBI and three runs scored in Monday's 6-4 win over the Marlins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson has started just two of the four games coming out of the All-Star break. Manager Oliver Marmol told reporters Carlson will be the fourth outfielder when Tyler O'Neill (back) returns, per John Denton of MLB.com. Carlson has maintained strong defense, but he's hitting just .243 on the season, including .214 over 28 at-bats in July. The switch hitter has added a .726 OPS, five home runs, three stolen bases, 21 RBI and 24 runs scored across 203 plate appearances this season.
Jul 15 2023Carlson isn't in the Cardinals' lineup for Game 2 of Saturday's doubleheader against the Nationals, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson went 0-for-3 with a run scored during the first game Saturday and will catch a breather during the nightcap. Alec Burleson, Lars Nootbaar and Jordan Walker will man St. Louis' outfield from left to right while Carlson sits.
Jul 9 2023Carlson is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With Tommy Edman (wrist) recently moving to the injured list, Carlson has emerged as a near-everyday player in the outfield. Though he started in each of the previous six games while going 3-for-15 with a whopping eight walks, Carlson will get a breather Sunday as the Cardinals give a spot start to Alec Burleson in the corner outfield.
Jul 6 2023Carlson went 0-for-2 with a pair of walks and a stolen base in Thursday's 3-0 win over the Marlins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson has logged two of his three steals this season over his last five games. The outfielder has also draw five walks in his last three contests, compared to just six walks over 14 games in June. Brendan Donovan's arm soreness has limited him to designated hitter duties, and the ripple effects on the Cardinals' lineup have helped Carlson get more regular playing time of late. For the season, Carlson has a .242/.335/.379 slash line with five home runs, 19 RBI, 20 runs scored, five doubles and a triple over 185 plate appearances.
Jul 5 2023Carlson was added to the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Marlins, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson will start in right field and bat ninth versus the Marlins and right-hander Bryan Hoeing after Tommy Edman suddenly had to be scratched about 20 minutes before first pitch. Lars Nootbaar is in center field and hitting third.
Jul 3 2023Carlson went 1-for-1 with a stolen base and a run scored in Sunday's 5-1 win over the Yankees. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson was a defensive replacement for Jordan Walker in the seventh inning. In the eighth, Carlson took advantage of some sloppiness from the Yankees to manufacture the Cardinals' fifth run. The outfielder has hit .275 with an .864 OPS over 17 games since he returned from an ankle injury in early June, though he hasn't fully reclaimed a starting spot in the lineup. He's slashing .245/.320/.391 with five home runs, two steals, 19 RBI and 18 runs scored over 169 plate appearances this season.
Jun 29 2023Carlson is not in the lineup Thursday against the Astros. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Jordan Walker, Tommy Edman and Lars Nootbaar will start across the outfield for the Cardinals as they face off against Houston right-hander J.P. France. Carlson is enjoying a productive June, but the 24-year-old switch-hitter has struggled overall this season against right-handed pitching.
Jun 21 2023Carlson went 2-for-4 with two homers, a walk and three RBI in Tuesday's win over the Nationals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson opened up the scoring with a 445-foot no-doubter to center field in the second inning and followed that up with a solo blast in the sixth. The 24-year-old has been a welcomed addition to the lineup since returning from injury June 9. Since then, he's slashing .300/.462/.633 with three homers, seven RBI, five runs and a 5:6 BB:K in 35 plate appearances. The Cardinals' outfield depth is a bit crowded after the return of Lars Nootbaar on Monday, but Carlson should find ways to get at-bats with the way he's been producing lately.
Jun 20 2023Carlson (elbow) is back in the lineup Tuesday against the Nationals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson will start in right field and bat sixth versus the Nationals and left-hander MacKenzie Gore after sitting out of Monday's series opener in Washington due to a left elbow contusion. Jordan Walker is playing left field Tuesday and Tommy Edman is in center.
Jun 19 2023Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol indicated that Carlson's absence from Monday's lineup is related to the left elbow contusion he suffered Friday versus the Mets, Lynn Worthy of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson returned to the lineup Sunday after not starting Saturday, but with Lars Nootbaar (back) returning from the injured list Monday, Marmol felt it was best to give Carlson another day. While the lingering elbow soreness might be an additional factor, Carlson also is at risk of losing regular at-bats with Nootbaar back and the team committed to Tommy Edman in center field.
Jun 18 2023Carlson (elbow) is hitting sixth and playing right field versus the Mets on Sunday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson was scratched from the lineup due to a bruise on his left elbow Saturday, but the 24-year-old is back at it against the Mets for the series finale. Alec Burleson retreats to the bench with Carlson back in the lineup.
Jun 17 2023Carlson was scratched from Saturday's lineup against the Mets due to a left elbow contusion, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson took pitches to his left elbow and right shin during Friday's contest, and the damage to his elbow was apparently severe enough to keep him out of the lineup for a day. He'll be replaced in right field by Brendan Donovan, moving Nolan Gorman to second base and allowing Alec Burleson to step in as St. Louis' designated hitter Saturday. Carlson should be considered day-to-day going forward.
Jun 11 2023Carlson went 3-for-3 with a home run and two RBI in Saturday's 8-4 loss against the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson continued to put his ankle injury in the rearview Saturday, reaching base five times and crushing a two-run homer in the eighth inning as the Cardinals tried (unsuccessfully) to mount a late comeback at home. The center fielder also drew two walks for the second straight game and saw his average jump from .225 to .248 with the three-hit performance. It's certainly a positive sign, as the Cardinals finally appear to be getting their offense going.
Jun 9 2023Carlson (ankle) was reinstated from the 10-day injured list Friday, Lynn Worthy of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: As expected, Carlson will make his return after being sidelined since May 14 due to a sprained ankle. The outfielder went 3-for-9 with a double, an RBI and two runs scored over a three-game rehab assignment with Triple-A Memphis. He's produced a disappointing .230/.278/.350 slash line over 108 plate appearances this season, but with both Tyler O'Neill (back) and Lars Nootbaar (back) on the 10-day IL, Carlson has a clear path back to a starting role.
Jun 2 2023Carlson (ankle) will begin a rehab assignment Tuesday, John Denton of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson has been running and taking swings from both sides of the plate since Monday, but he's still a few days away from returning to game action. The team didn't indicate how long it plans to keep Carlson on assignment, but he could return ahead of the Cards' next homestand June 9.
May 29 2023Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said Monday that Carlson (ankle) is taking batting practice from both the left and right side of the plate and has resumed a running program, John Denton of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The switch-hitting Carlson had previously been limited to batting only from the right side in recent days while he manages a left ankle sprain, but he no longer looks to be inhibited while performing full baseball activities. Carlson will likely increase the intensity of his running program over the next few days before potentially heading out on a minor-league rehab assignment later this week. Once he gets a few minor-league games under his belt and is cleared to return from the 10-day injured list, Carlson should settle back into a regular role in center field, which would likely result in Lars Nootbaar moving back to a corner outfield spot and one of Brendan Donovan and Alec Burleson losing out on a near-everyday gig.
May 24 2023Carlson (ankle) took batting practice from the right side of the plate Wednesday, John Denton of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The switch-hitting outfielder will begin taking BP from the left side of the plate within the next few days as he continues his recovery from a left ankle sprain. He seems to be tracking toward a return to the Cardinals before the end of May, or maybe the beginning of June. Tyler O'Neill (back) is a little further behind, having only just recently advanced to light swings off a tee. Lars Nootbaar continues to function as the primary center fielder for St. Louis.
May 23 2023Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said Tuesday that Carlson (ankle) will start swinging the bat later this week, John Denton of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson is doubtful to be activated from the injured list when first eligible Thursday, but he is beginning to make steady progress in his recovery from a left ankle sprain. Lars Nootbaar has been serving as the Cardinals' primary center fielder in his absence.
May 17 2023St. Louis placed Carlson on the 10-day injured list Wednesday with a left ankle sprain. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson suffered the injury in Sunday's series finale against the Red Sox and wasn't making enough progress on the side. The hope is that he could be ready for activation when first eligible next Thursday. Oscar Mercado was called up from Triple-A Memphis to give the Cardinals a bit more outfield depth, though Lars Nootbaar should serve as the Cardinals' primary center field in Carlson's absence. Tyler O'Neill (back) is nearing a return from the IL as well.
May 16 2023Carlson (ankle) is not in the lineup Tuesday against the Brewers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson also sat out of Monday's series opener versus Milwaukee after suffering a left ankle sprain in Sunday night's series finale at Fenway Park. Brendan Donovan, Lars Nootbaar and Tommy Edman will start across the outfield for the Cardinals on Tuesday evening.
May 15 2023Carlson will undergo imaging and have his injured left ankle examined by the doctor Monday, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Because the Cardinals were late getting back to St. Louis following a Sunday night game in Boston, Carlson has not had tests on his ankle yet. He's out of the lineup Monday, though, and was walking around the clubhouse "pretty gingerly," per Jones. Carlson is hopeful that his injury remains a day-to-day situation, but more should be known after he's examined.
May 14 2023Carlson left Sunday's game against the Red Sox with a left ankle sprain, Lynn Worthy of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson twisted his ankle while picking up a hit and had to leave the game an inning later. For now, Carlson should be considered day-to-day, but his status going forward will be determined by the severity of the sprain and how he responds in the coming days.
May 6 2023Carlson went 1-for-4 with a three-run home run in Saturday's 6-5 extra-inning loss to the Tigers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Just a few days after connecting on his first homer of 2023, Carlson went yard again with a second-inning shot off Spencer Turnbull. The 24-year-old outfielder is seeing consistent work with Tyler O'Neill (back) on the shelf, and Carlson does have hits in seven of his last nine starts, but on the season he still has a tepid .234/.286/.364 slash line.
May 4 2023Carlson went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in Wednesday's 6-4 loss to the Angels. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The long ball was Carlson's first of the season, and it put the Cardinals ahead 4-3 in the fourth inning. That lead held until Giovanny Gallegos' meltdown in the ninth. Carlson has hit safely in six of his last seven games, going 7-for-22 (.318) with four RBI and three runs scored in that span. He's lifted his slash line to .242/.282/.348 through 71 plate appearances. The switch hitter doesn't have to keep his bat hot to stay in the lineup while the Cardinals have only four outfielders on the roster, but it would help his cause in the long run.
May 3 2023Carlson will start in center field and bat seventh in Wednesday's game against the Angels. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson is in the lineup for the fifth game in a row and appears to have at least temporarily taken hold of a regular spot in the outfield over Tyler O'Neill, who has now sat out three times -- all against right-handed starting pitchers -- during that stretch. Though Carlson is maintaining an unremarkable .590 OPS for the season, having him in the lineup allows the Cardinals to field their best defensive outfield.
Apr 28 2023Carlson is absent from the starting lineup Friday versus the Dodgers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Tyler O'Neill is in left field, Lars Nootbaar is in center and Alec Burleson will cover right in the Cardinals' series opener against the Dodgers and right-hander Dustin May. Carlson has started just one of the Cardinals' last six games and seems to be stuck in a fourth-outfielder role even after Jordan Walker's demotion to Triple-A.
Apr 27 2023Carlson is out of the lineup Thursday versus the Giants. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Jordan Walker was optioned to Triple-A Memphis on Wednesday, but the Cardinals still have a bit of a logjam in their outfield. Tyler O'Neill is playing left field Thursday with Lars Nootbaar covering center and Alec Burleson handling right.
Apr 4 2023Carlson is batting second for the Cardinals on Tuesday versus Atlanta. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson will get the nod in left field -- along with a prominent lineup spot -- as left-hander Dylan Dodd makes his MLB debut in the start for Atlanta. Alec Burleson is sitting.
Apr 2 2023Carlson went 3-for-4 with a run scored in Sunday's 9-4 win over the Blue Jays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson was on the bench in the first two games of the season, appearing as a defensive replacement Saturday. He spelled Tyler O'Neill in center field for Sunday's contest. Carlson struggled to a .236/.316/.380 slash line over 128 games last season and failed to win a starting job in spring training, though he could command more playing time if he hits well or injuries pop up. For now, Carlson is set to occupy a utility outfielder role, though his ability to play all three outfield spots should afford him fairly regular looks.
Mar 26 2023Manager Oliver Marmol said Sunday that Carlson is likely to begin the season working as a utility outfielder and bench piece, John Denton of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It appears the 24-year-old will be the odd man out to open the season with prospect Jordan Walker making St. Louis' Opening Day roster. Carlson should still see a fair amount of action between the three outfield spots and designated hitter, but it seems Walker, Tyler O'Neill and Lars Nootbaar will begin the campaign as the primary outfield options.
Mar 10 2023Carlson (arm) is starting in center field for the Cardinals' spring training game against the Mets on Friday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson had been dealing with arm fatigue for the past week, but he was still cleared to hit, serving as the Cards' designated hitter while his arm recovered. With Jordan Walker turning heads early this spring, Carlson must take advantage of every opportunity he gets in the field to make up for lost time.
Mar 7 2023Carlson (arm) could return to playing the outfield this week, Lynn Worthy of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson has been limited to designated hitter duty -- he homered from the DH spot Monday -- as he works his way back from arm fatigue but is almost ready to play the outfield again. The 24-year-old is competing for playing time in the Cards' outfield and is surely eager to make up for lost time with Jordan Walker already creating some buzz with his strong early showing.
Mar 4 2023Carlson (arm) is okay to hit but won't throw again until Monday, John Denton of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson's arm fatigue appears to be a minor issue, but the Cardinals won't rush anything with the outfielder in spring games. He may serve as a designated hitter for a couple of games before returning to the field later next week.
Feb 23 2023Carlson said Wednesday that he put on 12 pounds of muscle over the winter, John Denton of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson reported to Cardinals camp in Florida at 205 pounds, and he said he was able to bulk up via intensive weight room workouts and a 4,500-calorie diet. This is going to be a prove-it type of season in many ways for the 24-year-old former top prospect, who struggled to a .236/.316/.380 batting line with eight home runs and five stolen bases over 128 regular-season games in 2022. He's trying to fend off teammate Tyler O'Neill for the starting center field job in St. Louis.
Oct 1 2022Carlson isn't starting Saturday against Pittsburgh, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson started the last six games and hit .217 with four doubles, four runs, an RBI, a walk and five strikeouts. Lars Nootbaar will shift to center field while Alec Burleson starts in right Saturday.
Sep 28 2022Carlson will start in right field and bat second in Wednesday's game against the Brewers, John Denton of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson will stay in the lineup for the fifth game in a row after going 5-for-17 with four doubles, four runs and an RBI over the prior four contests. So long as Tyler O'Neill (hamstring) is stuck on the injured list, Carlson looks like he'll have a clear path to an everyday role in the outfield.
Sep 27 2022Carlson went 2-for-4 with two doubles and two runs scored in Tuesday's victory over the Brewers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson doubled and scored in the second frame before doing it again in the top of the sixth inning. The multi-hit effort was his second in his last four games and he is now batting .241 with five doubles, an RBI and six runs scored over 29 at-bats since returning from the 10-day injured list Sept. 17. Carlson is batting .240 with eight homers, 29 doubles, 40 RBI, 54 runs and five stolen bases over 412 at-bats in 121 games this season.
Sep 17 2022Carlson went 1-for-4 with one double and one run scored in Saturday's victory over the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson led off the third inning with a double off lefty starter Mike Minor during the first game of the doubleheader. The outfielder faced significant struggles during his 13 games prior to his stint on the 10-day injured list with a thumb injury, recording a .182 average and .273 slugging percentage over 22 at-bats. The 23-year-old performs better against left-handed pitching with a .321 average and .509 slugging percentage in 112 at-bats compared to a .207 average and .338 slugging percentage in 275 at-bats facing righties.
Sep 16 2022Carlson (thumb) will begin a rehab assignment at Triple-A Memphis on Friday, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson took swing this week and has been cleared to return to game action in the minors Friday. He's been on the injured list with a left thumb sprain since Sept. 7, and it seems likely that he'll rejoin the Cardinals following a brief rehab assignment.
Sep 13 2022Carlson (thumb) took swings Tuesday and could begin a minor-league rehab assignment as early as Friday, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 23-year-old landed on the 10-day IL last week with a sprained left thumb, but his quick return to baseball activities could mean his absence is brief. Carlson faded into a reserve role in the outfield during the second half of August and is likely to reclaim those duties once healthy.
Sep 7 2022The Cardinals placed Carlson on the 10-day injured list Wednesday with a left thumb sprain. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson had already moved off the fantasy radar in most redraft leagues after fading into a reserve role in the second half of August, and the thumb injury only further lessens the possibility of him regaining relevance before the season comes to an end. St. Louis called up Alec Burleson from Triple-A Memphis to replace Carlson as an extra outfielder off the bench, but Corey Dickerson, Tyler O'Neill and Lars Nootbaar are expected to remain the team's primary starters from left to right in most games.
Aug 27 2022Carlson remains on the bench Saturday against Atlanta, John Denton of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson seems to be falling out of favor despite the fact that he's hit .306/.405/.444 over his last 12 games, as he's now been on the bench for five consecutive contests. It's possible a minor injury is preventing him from starting, but he's been able to appear off the bench in each of the last two games. Tyler O'Neill remains the center fielder Saturday.
Aug 26 2022Carlson will sit for the fourth straight game Friday against Atlanta, John Denton of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Either Carlson has suddenly lost his manager's trust despite his .790 OPS over his last 13 games, or he's dealing with an unreported injury. Tyler O'Neill will again slide to center field in his absence, with Corey Dickerson getting another start in left.
Aug 25 2022Carlson remains out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Cubs, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson didn't play in the second half of Tuesday's doubleheader and sat out Wednesday's 7-1 loss, so his continued absence from the lineup for the series finale could indicate that he's dealing with some sort of physical issue. At this stage, the Cardinals haven't indicated that Carlson is dealing with an injury, but manager Oliver Marmol could shed more light on the situation before or after Thursday's contest. Tyler O'Neill will draw a third straight start in center field in Carlson's stead.
Aug 24 2022Carlson isn't starting Wednesday against the Cubs, John Denton of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson was out of the lineup for Tuesday's nightcap, and he'll remain on the bench Wednesday. Tyler O'Neill is shifting to center field while Corey Dickerson starts in left.
Aug 23 2022Carlson is out of the lineup for Game 2 of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Cubs, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson began the day with a .655 OPS through 18 games in August and then went 0-for-4 during Chicago's Game 1 victory. Tyler O'Neill will man center field in the nightcap while Corey Dickerson starts in left.
Aug 21 2022Carlson is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Diamondbacks. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Tyler O'Neill will shift over from left field to cover center while Carlson sits for the first time since Aug. 11. While starting the past eight games, Carlson slashed .313/.378/.406 with a home run, a stolen base, six runs and three RBI.
Aug 19 2022Carlson went 2-for-4 with an RBI, a stolen base, two runs scored and a walk in Thursday's 13-0 win over the Rockies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson's steal was his first since June 28. The outfielder has had a relatively quiet August, hitting .204 with two home runs, six RBI, nine runs scored and an 8:11 BB:K through 14 contests. For the season, he's slashing .243/.316/.397 with eight homers, five steals, 37 RBI and 45 runs scored through 97 games.
Aug 16 2022Carlson went 3-for-5 in Tuesday's 5-4 win over the Rockies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson wasn't directly involved in any run production Tuesday, but he was able to set the table well from the leadoff spot. The outfielder has hit safely in consecutive games for the first time since July 26-27. He's been in a tough slump in August, going 9-for-48 (.188) with four extra-base hits in 12 contests. The 23-year-old is at a .241/.310/.398 slash line with eight home runs, 36 RBI, 42 runs scored and four stolen bases through 384 plate appearances. Despite his poor hitting lately, Carlson still appears to be the Cardinals' preferred leadoff hitter versus lefties.
Aug 15 2022Carlson went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Sunday's 6-3 victory over the Brewers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson was one of three Cardinals batters to hit solo homers in Sunday's contest. His was the go-ahead run in the bottom of the eighth inning. It was Carlson's second homer of the month, his first since Aug. 2, and his eighth of the year. The outfielder has struggled to get things going this month, batting .140 and striking out 10 times while picking up just six hits. Each month's batting average has regressed since he hit .314 in May, resulting in a .236 average on the season.
Aug 11 2022Carlson is out of the lineup for Thursday's game at Colorado, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson started the past 22 games and went 0-for-9 with a walk and two strikeouts across the first two games of the series against the Rockies, and he'll take a seat for Thursday's finale. Tyler O'Neill will shift to center field while Corey Dickerson starts in left.
Aug 2 2022Carlson went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in Tuesday's 6-0 win over the Cubs. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson doubled the Cardinals' lead from two to four runs with his fifth-inning blast. The outfielder has collected at least one RBI in five of his last six games. For the season, he's slashing .250/.317/.413 with seven homers, 33 RBI, 37 runs scored and four stolen bases in 334 plate appearances. Carlson started the year as the primary right fielder, but with Harrison Bader (foot) traded to the Yankees on Tuesday, it appears Carlson will settle into an everyday role in center.
Jul 26 2022Carlson went 2-for-5 with a solo home run and two RBI in Tuesday's 10-3 loss to the Blue Jays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson took Jose Berrios deep for a solo shot in the first inning before ripping an RBI single off him in the top of the third frame. The homer was his sixth of the season and first since July 2. Carlson has now produced at least one hit in six of his last seven games, batting .333 with a homer, four doubles, a triple, four RBI and six runs over that stretch. The hot streak has the outfielder's average up to .259 with six home runs, 28 RBI, 36 runs and four stolen bases over 278 at-bats in 79 games this year.
Jul 12 2022Carlson (knee) went 3-for-4 with a run scored in Monday's 6-1 win over the Phillies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He missed Sunday's game with right knee soreness, but it didn't keep him out for long. Carlson has now gone seven games without an extra-base hit, but he was able to offset the power slump with his second three-hit effort in that span. The outfielder is slashing .260/.321/.409 with five home runs, four stolen bases, 24 RBI and 28 runs scored in 70 contests. As long as Harrison Bader (foot) is sidelined, Carlson should have a near-everyday gig in center field.
Jul 11 2022Carlson (knee) is starting Monday's game against the Phillies, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson wasn't in the lineup for Sunday's game against Philadelphia, but he'll be back in action a day later for the series finale. Over his last five games, he's gone 4-for-14 with a run, an RBI, a walk and six strikeouts.
Jul 10 2022Carlson's absence from the lineup for Sunday's game against the Phillies is due to a sore right knee, John Denton of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: According to Denton, Carlson will be available off the bench, though the Cardinals would presumably prefer to stay away from him to afford him more recovery time from the knee issue. The Cardinals will wrap up their series with the Phillies on Monday, but it's unclear if one day off will provide sufficient time for Carlson to be ready to rejoin the lineup.
Jul 8 2022Carlson went 3-for-3 with an RBI in Thursday's 3-2 extra-innings win over Atlanta. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson didn't start the game, but he pinch hit for Lars Nootbaar in the seventh inning. All three of Carlson's hits were singles, and the last one plated the decisive run in the 11th frame. The outfielder hadn't had a multi-hit effort since June 28, but it's possible Thursday's performance sparks his bat again. He has a .257/.320/.413 slash line with five home runs, 24 RBI, 26 runs scored and four stolen bases through 256 plate appearances.
Jul 7 2022Carlson isn't starting Thursday's game against Atlanta, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson will get a rare day off after he went 0-for-7 with a walk and three strikeouts over the last two games. Conner Capel, Lars Nootbaar and Juan Yepez are starting in the outfield from left to right.
Jul 3 2022Carlson went 1-for-5 with a solo homer in Saturday's victory over Philadelphia. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson was the fourth batter in a row to hit a home run for the Cardinals in the first inning of Saturday's game. Nolan Arenado, Nolan Gorman and Juan Yepez each hit a home run prior to Carlson's homer. It was the fifth home run of the season for the outfielder and his first since June 15. Although he has hits in seven of his last eight games, Carlson has also struck out 12 times during that span. He has a .252 batting average for the season.
Jun 29 2022Carlson went 2-for-4 with a double, two RBI, a run scored and a stolen base in a 5-3 win over the Marlins on Tuesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson had an all-around solid night at the plate, picking up his 16th double of the season to cash in Tommy Edman while also adding an RBI single and a stolen base. The 23-year-old Carlson now has four steals on the season and has not yet been caught stealing. He is riding a five-game hit streak and is slashing a very healthy .286/.403/.554 in June.
Jun 22 2022Carlson went 1-for-3 with a walk, a stolen base and a run scored in Wednesday's 5-4 win over the Brewers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson entered this week with just one stolen base on the year, but he's recorded a theft in each of his last two games. That gives him a career-high three steals, though speed remains a lesser part of his game. He also snapped an 0-for-8 skid at the plate Wednesday, and he's now batting .249/.317/.392 with four home runs, 16 RBI, 21 runs scored, 12 doubles and a triple in 202 plate appearances.
Jun 21 2022Carlson went 0-for-3 with a walk and a stolen base in a 6-2 win Tuesday in Milwaukee. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson walked in the seventh and stole a base after reaching on a fielder's choice in the eighth. The 23-year-old has drawn a walk in seven consecutive games while fanning just three times in that span. While his .313 OBP is not anything special, he's posted a .383 OBP and 13:12 K:BB over his last 30 games.
Jun 15 2022Carlson went 1-for-3 with a solo home run and a walk in Wednesday's 6-4 loss to the Pirates. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson went 0-for-3 with a walk in the nightcap of Tuesday's doubleheader, but he was able to contribute more Wednesday. The outfielder got the Cardinals on the board with a solo shot in the second inning, his second long ball in his last four games. The 23-year-old is up to a .252/.303/.399 slash line with four homers, 15 RBI, 18 runs scored and a stolen base in 178 plate appearances. Carlson should be a fixture in the lineup versus southpaws, but he could cede some time to versatile rookie Brendan Donovan in right field against right-handed pitchers.
Jun 14 2022Carlson is out of the lineup for the first game of Tuesday's doubleheader with the Pirates, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson will sit for the second time in five games since he was reinstated from the 10-day injured list Friday. Brendan Donovan will draw a start in right field in place of Carlson, who has gone 4-for-11 with a home run, a double, a walk and three RBI thus far in June.
Jun 13 2022Carlson went 2-for-4 with a double, a three-run home run and an additional run scored in Monday's 7-5 win over the Pirates. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson provided the biggest hit of the contest with a three-run blast off of Pirates reliever Anthony Banda to tie the game at 5-5 in the sixth inning. This was Carlson's first extra-base hit in four games since he returned from a stay on the injured list due to a hamstring injury. The outfielder has gone 4-for-11 (.364) since his return, lifting his season slash line to .255/.300/.389 in 170 plate appearances. He's added three homers, 14 RBI, 17 runs scored, a stolen base, 10 doubles and a triple.
Jun 12 2022Carlson will sit Sunday against Cincinnati, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson started the first two games after his return from a hamstring injury Friday, going 2-for-6 with a walk. He won't be asked to play three days in a row just yet, as Brendan Donovan takes over in right field.
Jun 10 2022Carlson (hamstring) went 1-for-3 with a strikeout in Friday's 2-0 win over the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson missed nearly three weeks with the hamstring injury. The outfielder has now hit safely in his last five games, going 8-for-18 (.444) in that span. The 23-year-old will look to work out of a slow start to the season now that he's healthy. He's slashing .248/.292/.362 with two home runs, 11 RBI, 15 runs scored and a stolen base in 40 contests. Carlson may be eased back into action a bit, but he should be the Cardinals' primary right fielder going forward, with rookies Brendan Donovan and Juan Yepez to push him for playing time.
Jun 8 2022Carlson (hamstring) is expected to play right field for Triple-A Memphis on Wednesday, John Denton of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson went 3-for-3 with a home run, a double, four RBI, three runs scored and a walk Tuesday versus Triple-A Durham after moving his rehab assignment up a level. He served as the designated hitter in that contest, but Denton reports the 23-year-old outfielder will get a game or two in the field before he's activated from the injured list. Once he returns, Carlson will likely push for an everyday role in right field again.
Jun 7 2022Carlson (hamstring) had his rehab assignment transferred to Triple-A Memphis on Tuesday, John Denton of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson played in three games at Double-A Springfield over the weekend and went 0-for-7 with a walk and a strikeout. It's possible that the 23-year-old rejoins the Cardinals during their current road trip in Tampa Bay, but he'll require at least one rehab game with the Triple-A club prior to returning from the injured list.
Jun 5 2022Carlson (hamstring) could be activated in the upcoming series against the Rays, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It was reported Saturday that a return in that series was unlikely for Carlson, but he played five innings in the field and will play another seven innings in the field Sunday and will be re-evaluated. Unlike Tyler O'Neill, who is also on a rehab assignment and producing quite a bit at the plate, Carlson is hitless through two rehab games.
Jun 4 2022Carlson (hamstring) is unlikely to be activated until next weekend's series against the Reds, John Denton of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He and Tyler O'Neill (shoulder) each slotted in at designated hitter Friday in rehab games and will progress to playing the outfield this weekend. Carlson went 0-for-3 with one strikeout in his first rehab game. Manager Oliver Marmol said he doubted that either Carlson or O'Neill would be ready to join the team in Tampa Bay for the series that runs Tuesday through Thursday of next week.
Jun 2 2022Carlson (hamstring) will begin a rehab assignment at Double-A Springfield on Friday, Rob Rains of StLSportsPage.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson suffered a hamstring tear in late May, but he's been working out recently and will return to game action in the minors this weekend. While it's not clear how many rehab games the 23-year-old will appear in, it seems likely that he'll be able to rejoin the Cardinals this weekend or sometime next week.
May 31 2022Carlson (hamstring) felt good Tuesday after swinging and taking part in straight-ahead sprints Monday, John Denton of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson is just past the halfway point of what was originally expected to be a two-week absence with a torn hamstring. He'll run in arcs and sprint around the bases to further test his hamstring soon, at which point his expected return date should become clearer. He won't be back Friday, as he won't travel with the team to Chicago at the start of their weekend series, but it's possible he joins his teammates over the weekend.
May 30 2022Carlson (hamstring) ran on the field Monday for the first time since landing on the injured list one week prior, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson was expected to miss approximately two weeks, so seeing him run one week after suffering the injury fits with that timeline. It's unclear if he'll need a rehab assignment before he's cleared to return.
May 23 2022The Cardinals are hope Carlson (hamstring) can return from the 10-day injured list in approximately two weeks, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The news fits with earlier reports that revealed that Carlson's hamstring strain was diagnosed as Grade 1 to 2. It looks as though he'll miss more than the minimum 10 days but could be back not long after that. Corey Dickerson and Brendan Donovan should see more playing time in the outfield corners until he returns, with DH/1B/OF Juan Yepez also in the mix.
May 22 2022Carlson (hamstring) is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Pirates, John Denton of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Given that he exited Saturday's 5-4 win with a tight left hamstring along with the fact that the Cardinals and Pirates are closing their series Sunday with a game that begins at 11:35 a.m. ET, Carlson's absence from the lineup comes as little surprise. How much time he misses beyond Sunday is more uncertain, as Carlson acknowledged that his tight hamstring feels "good, but different," per Denton. The Cardinals have not yet ordered up an MRI for Carlson, but he could be placed on the 10-day injured list prior to Monday's home game against the Blue Jays if he's not yet able to run without discomfort. If Carlson were to join Tyler O'Neill (shoulder) on the IL, the Cardinals would have regular roles in the corner outfield available for both Corey Dickerson and Brendan Donovan.
May 21 2022Carlson left Saturday's game versus the Pirates with left hamstring tightness, John Denton of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson started the game in center field, notching a single in his first at-bat before pulling up lame after a flyball out in the top of the third. Tommy Edman has shifted over to center field while Nolan Gorman has entered at second base. The severity of the injury is not yet known, but more information will likely be available after the game.
May 18 2022Carlson went 3-for-4 with a double and a run scored in Wednesday's 11-4 loss to the Mets. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson has found a groove at the plate lately, posting multiple hits in three of his last four games. The outfielder's increased success has lifted his slash line to .237/.286/.363 with two home runs, 10 RBI, 13 runs scored, a stolen base and nine doubles through 36 contests this season. The 23-year-old has hit all around the order this year, but he hasn't hit higher than fourth since the start of May.
May 13 2022Carlson went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Thursday's 3-2 loss to the Orioles. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson took Orioles reliever Cionel Perez deep in the seventh inning to get the Cardinals on the board. The outfielder has hit safely in seven straight games, going 9-for-25 (.360) in that span as he looks to steer out of a slow start to the year. He's up to a .225/.273/.360 slash line with two homers, nine RBI, 12 run scored, a stolen base and seven doubles in 121 plate appearances.
May 8 2022Carlson went 1-for-5 with a three-run home run in a loss to San Francisco on Saturday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson's lone hit of the game was a big one, as the outfielder smashed a three-run shot to right field in the seventh inning that temporarily brought the Cardinals to within two runs. The long ball was the first of the campaign for Carlson, who went deep 18 times last season. It's been a struggle for the 23-year-old thus far in 2021, as he is slashing a meager .208/.264/.313 across 106 plate appearances.
May 4 2022Carlson isn't starting Wednesday's game against the Royals, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson will get a breather after he went 2-for-5 with a double and a walk over the last two games. Juan Yepez will start in right field and bat fifth.
Apr 22 2022Carlson went 2-for-4 with a walk and a run scored in Friday's 4-2 win over the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson was given a day off Wednesday, and he's responded well by going 3-for-8 in two contests since he returned to the lineup. The outfielder has multiple hits in just two games this season. He's regularly hit leadoff despite a .196/.250/.239 slash line through 52 plate appearances. Carlson's added two RBI, six runs scored, a stolen base and a pair of doubles. He'll need to keep making progress to avoid losing the leadoff spot to Tommy Edman, who is batting .341 to start the year.
Apr 20 2022Carlson is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Marlins, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Lars Nootbaar will step in as the Cardinals' right fielder for the night and Tommy Edman takes over as the leadoff hitter with Carlson sitting for the first time after nine consecutive starts to begin the 2022 campaign. Carlson is hitting just .158 and has recorded no home runs, one stolen base, six runs and two RBI over 43 plate appearances.
Apr 9 2022Carlson went 1-for-5 with a stolen base and a run scored in a 6-2 win Saturday against the Pirates. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson singled, stole second and scored on a Nolan Arenado double in the first inning. The 23-year-old has only stolen four bases in his major-league career but did have a 20-steal season in the minor leagues. He has hit leadoff in both games for St. Louis in 2022, and if he becomes a successful base stealer, he'll add a lot of value following a promising rookie season.
Mar 31 2022Carlson went 2-for-3 with a walk and a run scored in Wednesday's 29-8 win over the Nationals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson has seen time as the leadoff hitter in Grapefruit League games this spring. He's now 7-for-19 with a home run, a double, four RBI and four runs scored through eight contests. He emerged as a near-everyday player for the Cardinals last season, slashing .266/.343/.437 with 18 homers, 65 RBI, 79 runs scored and two stolen bases. He doesn't have the speed usually associated with leadoff hitters, but his 9.5 percent walk rate and 24.6 strikeout rate are solid enough if he can continue to get on base at a reasonable clip. The 23-year-old has room to grow in plate discipline, and the extra at-bats he could see from hitting atop the order would bolster his counting stats.
Oct 1 2021Carlson is not in the lineup Friday versus the Cubs, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson started the past four games and will receive a day off after going 5-for-14 with three homers, a double and four RBI during that stretch. Lars Nootbaar will man right field in his place Friday.
Sep 30 2021Carlson went 2-for-3 with two home runs, three RBI, two runs scored and a walk during Thursday's win over the Brewers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson launched a 416-foot blast against Brett Anderson to give the Cardinals the lead in the third inning, then contributed another go-ahead homer with a two-run shot against Miguel Sanchez in the sixth. It's worth noting that the 22-year-old is the first rookie in AL/NL history to homer from both sides of the plate twice in a season. Carlson now has 18 long balls to his name while batting .263/.339/.437.
Sep 29 2021Carlson went 1-for-4 with a solo home run Tuesday against the Brewers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson took Brandon Woodruff yard in the fourth inning to record his 16th home run of the season. While he has not displayed consistent power throughout the season, Carlson does have nine home runs, 14 doubles and one triple -- good for a .473 slugging percentage -- across 56 games since the All-Star break. Carlson has also provided strong counting stats across the last full month of the campaign, driving in 12 and also scoring 12 runs.
Sep 25 2021Carlson will sit for the second straight game Saturday against the Cubs, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson sat for the nightcap of Friday's doubleheader and remains on the bench the next day. Lars Nootbaar will get another chance to start in right field after homering twice in Carlson's place in Friday's second game.
Sep 24 2021Carlson isn't starting the second game of Friday's doubleheader against the Cubs, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson will get a breather after he went 0-for-2 with a walk and a strikeout in the first game of the twin bill. Lars Nootbaar will take over in right field and bat seventh.
Sep 18 2021Carlson went 2-for-4 with a pair of home runs and five RBI in Friday's 8-2 win over the Padres. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The outfielder enjoyed perhaps the finest game of his career in the win, slugging a solo shot to right field in the fourth inning before breaking the game open with a grand slam in the eighth. The performance was Carlson's first multi-homer game of his career, and the five RBI were also a career high. He has knocked in at least one run in four straight games.
Sep 14 2021Carlson went 1-for-4 with an RBI double and a walk in a win over the Mets on Monday, and he now sports a .291/.361/.418 slash line over his last 15 games. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The talented outfielder has also laced five of his 16 hits during that span for extra bases, even as he's generated an elevated 26.2 percent strikeout rate in the sample as well. The one other quibble with Carlson's strong stretch of hitting is his current long-ball drought, which now stands at 14 games going into Tuesday night's action.
Sep 8 2021Carlson isn't starting Wednesday's game against the Dodgers, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson will get a day off after he went 3-for-12 with two runs, a walk and four strikeouts across the last three games. Lars Nootbaar will start in right field and bat sixth.
Aug 28 2021Carlson went 2-for-4 with a two-run home run, an additional run and two walks in a 13-0 victory over Pittsburgh on Saturday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: St. Louis racked up 18 hits in the rout, though Carlson's homer was the only ball that left the yard. The outfielder had been struggling coming into the contest, going 1-for-14 in four games since returning from the injured list Tuesday. Carlson is slashing .257/.341/.417 with 13 homers, 48 RBI and two steals overall this season.
Aug 26 2021Carlson, who was activated from the injured list Tuesday, is 1-for-11 with a double, a walk, a hit by pitch and a run in his first three games back. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: A wrist injury put Carlson on the shelf for just over 10 days, and while he's reportedly back to full health, he may have accumulated a bit of rust during his layoff. The brief skid has dinged his overall numbers some, but the 22-year-old is still enjoying a solid season that currently includes a .258/.339/.415 slash line, 25 doubles, three triples, 12 home runs and 46 RBI across 487 plate appearances.
Aug 24 2021The Cardinals activated Carlson (wrist) from the 10-day injured list Tuesday. He's batting third and playing right field against the Tigers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: A sprain right wrist sent Carlson to the IL on Aug. 17, but he missed the minimum time and is back in action with St. Louis. Before the injury he had gotten into a groove at the plate, hitting .359 with three doubles, a home run and three RBI in his last 10 games. Austin Dean was optioned to Triple-A Memphis in a corresponding move Tuesday.
Aug 21 2021Manager Mike Shildt said Carlson (wrist) has been hitting in the cage, but only from the left side, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He's also been playing some catch on the field recently prior to games, as per the Associated Press. It's unclear whether Carlson will be activated when eligible Tuesday. The Cardinals figure to be cautious with their promising young outfielder and his sprained right wrist, although it's possible he returns from the IL and begins incorporating his right-handed swing while on the active roster. More updates on Carlson's expected activation date should become available in the next couple days.
Aug 19 2021The Cardinals are optimistic that Carlson (wrist) will be able to return from the injured list ahead of Tuesday's series opener against the Tigers, Zachary Silver of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 22-year-old has been sidelined with a right wrist sprain since late last week, but he's on track for a minimum stay on the injured list. Lars Nootbaar should continue to see time in right field during the team's weekend series against the Pirates, but Carlson will likely be available during the two-game set against the Tigers next week.
Aug 17 2021Carlson was placed on the 10-day injured list Tuesday with a sprained right wrist. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson was initially listed in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Brewers but will now miss not only that contest but several more as well. The issue has been bothering him for a few days, so the Cardinals can backdate the move to Saturday, leaving him eligible to return next Tuesday. Lars Nootbaar will take his place in right field Tuesday, with Austin Dean getting called up to fill a role as a reserve outfielder.
Aug 13 2021Carlson (wrist sprain) likely won't return to action until Tuesday at the earliest, Zachary Silver of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: X-rays showed no fracture, but Carlson's slight right wrist sprain will limit him to baserunning and possibly defense through the weekend. It's swinging a bat that's the problem right now for Carlson, and he is not even a lock to return early next week.
Aug 12 2021Carlson will undergo an MRI on his right wrist, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson was removed from Thursday's win over the Pirates due to right wrist soreness. While the 22-year-old will travel with the team ahead of the weekend series in Kansas City, he'll undergo additional testing since the soreness hasn't subsided after the game. Jose Rondon and Lars Nootbaar are the top candidates to fill in if Carlson misses additional time.
Aug 11 2021Carlson went 3-for-4 with a run in a win over the Pirates on Tuesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Although all three hits were singles, they extended the talented outfielder's hitting streak to four games. Carlson has hit safely in seven of the last eight games overall and owns three multi-hit efforts, along with a .375/.417/.563 slash line, over that stretch.
Aug 8 2021Carlson went 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBI in Sunday's 6-5 loss to the Royals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson got the Cardinals on the board right out of the gate with a leadoff homer, his 12th of the year. He later knocked a sacrifice fly as part of a three-run eighth inning. The 6-foot-2 switch-hitter went 7-for-26 (.226) during an eight-game home run drought entering Sunday's contest. Carlson raised his OPS to .755 through 109 games this season.
Aug 1 2021Carlson went 3-for-5 with two double, a run scored, one RBI and a stolen base in Sunday's 7-3 victory over the Twins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson singled and recorded his first base of the season in the first inning. He later doubled in a run and came around to score in the third. The 22-year-old outfielder is now sporting a .754 OPS with 23 doubles and 44 RBI this season. Carlson has four multi-hit games over his last 12 appearances, going 14-for-49 (.286) during that span.
Jul 28 2021Carlson went 2-for-4 with a solo home run and two runs scored Wednesday against Cleveland. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson led off the third inning with his 11th home run of the season. Though he's had disappointing power production for much of the campaign, Carlson now has four homers in his last nine starts. In that same span, he's recorded at least one hit in eight contests while also tallying 12 RBI and six runs scored. For the season, Carlson has a .255/.338/.417 line across 426 plate appearances.
Jul 25 2021Carlson went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in Sunday's 10-6 win over Cincinnati. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The outfielder has found a power groove with three home runs, four doubles, 10 RBI and four runs scored in his last seven games. Carlson is up to 10 homers, 41 RBI and 50 runs scored through 416 plate appearances overall. He's added three triples, 21 doubles and a .253/.336/.409 slash line.
Jul 22 2021Carlson went 3-for-4 with a solo home run, two doubles and an additional run scored in Thursday's 3-2 win over the Cubs. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The outfielder opened the scoring with a leadoff home run in the bottom of the first inning. Carlson was also on base for Nolan Arenado's third-inning blast. The three-hit effort lifted Carlson's batting average to .259, and he's added nine homers, 38 RBI and 49 runs scored through 402 plate appearances this year. He's remained a fixture at or near the top of the order, often serving as the leadoff hitter versus right-handed pitchers.
Jul 19 2021Carlson went 2-for-4 with a home run, a walk and four RBI in Monday's 8-3 win over the Cubs. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson opened the game's scoring with an RBI single in the third inning and drew a bases-loaded walk in the fourth. He later added some insurance runs with a two-run shot in the sixth, his eighth homer of the season. The rookie outfielder broke out of a 1-for-18 skid and went deep for the first time since June 25. Carlson is now slashing .254/.338/.392 with 35 RBI and 28 extra-base hits.
Jul 18 2021Carlson went 1-for-4 with a double and a run scored in Saturday's 3-1 win over the Giants. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson doubled off Anthony DeSclafani and scored on Paul Goldschmidt's home run in the sixth inning. The outfielder hasn't done much in July, batting .174 with no RBI and six runs scored. His slash line has dropped to .254/.338/.387 in 379 plate appearances. He leads the Cardinals in walks (38), but he has struck out in over a quarter of his plate appearances this season.
Jul 9 2021Carlson went 3-for-4 with a double, a walk and two runs in Friday's 10-5 loss to the Cubs. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson has snapped out an 0-for-10 stretch with consecutive multi-hit games and is now hitting .246 with 10 runs in his last 15 contests. Friday was his first three-hit game since June 4, at which point he boasted a .283 average. Thus, while Carlson has certainly struggled offensively in the last month, his last couple games have suggested a potential turnaround heading into the second half of the season.
Jun 28 2021Carlson went 2-for-5 with a triple, run and two RBI as St. Louis beat Arizona 7-1 on Monday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson opened the scoring with his third inning RBI triple and later plated the go ahead run on a single and later scored as part of a six-run seventh. The three bagger was Carlson's first since April 20 and the two-hit performance improved the young outfielder's slash line to .267/.351/.766.
Jun 25 2021Carlson went 1-for-4 with a solo home run, a walk and an additional RBI in Friday's loss to Pittsburgh. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson knocked in a run with a fielder's choice in the second inning, then temporarily tied the score with a solo shot in the fourth frame. The long ball was his first since June 2, a span covering 19 games. Carlson has seven total homers and 29 RBI across 306 plate appearances this season.
Jun 21 2021Carlson went 2-for-3 with a double, a walk and two runs in a win over Atlanta in the first game of Sunday's doubleheader. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The outfielder cooled off in Game 2 of the twin bill by going 0-for-3 with two strikeouts, but his production in the matinee garnered Carlson his third multi-hit effort in seven games. The most impressive aspect of the 22-year-old's season slash line is his on-base percentage, which sits at .351 thanks in part to a career-high 10.4 percent walk rate and elevated .339 BABIP.
Jun 15 2021Carlson went 2-for-3 with a walk and a run in a win over the Marlins on Monday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson has now reached safely in four straight games following a brief 1-for-17 slump that encompassed the four preceding contests. The 22-year-old outfielder has pushed his on-base percentage to an impressive .347 as a result of his current productive stretch, and he's laced five of his 12 hits in June for extra bases.
Jun 11 2021Carlson heads into Friday afternoon's game against the Cubs having gone 1-for-17 with a double, a walk and seven strikeouts over his last four contests. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The skid is in sharp contrast to a hot start to June for Carlson, who went 7-for-16 with a double, a home run, two RBI, a walk and two runs over the first four games of the month. The talented outfielder has had trouble making consistent contact of late -- he's carrying a 38.7 percent strikeout rate over the 31 plate appearances covering his last seven games.
Jun 4 2021Carlson went 3-for-5 with a double in Friday's 6-4 loss to the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson has been on fire as of late, going 10-for-24 with four extra-base hits over the last six games. His season slash line improved to .283/.365/.439 through 230 plate appearances. The 22-year-old outfielder also struck out twice Friday, giving him six punchouts over his last four games.
Jun 3 2021Carlson went 2-for-4 with a solo home run and an additional run scored in a loss to the Dodgers on Wednesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Cardinals were essentially out of the game after Los Angeles tallied 11 first-inning runs, but Carlson put up a minor protest with a fifth-inning solo homer. He has six long balls on the campaign, half of which have come in his past four games. Over that stretch, Carlson is batting .438 with five RBI.
Jun 2 2021Carlson went 2-for-4 with an RBI single in a win over the Dodgers on Tuesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson continued to further distance himself from a recent slump, pushing his tally at the plate over the last three games to 5-for-12 with two home runs and four RBI. The 22-year-old has been a source of well-balanced fantasy contributions this season, as evidenced by his .274 average, .778 OPS, 15 extra-base hits (eight doubles, two triples, five home runs) and 25 RBI.
Jun 1 2021Carlson went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in a loss to the Dodgers on Monday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson's 392-foot shot in the sixth inning off Trevor Bauer with Tommy Edman aboard temporarily erased a 2-1 deficit for the Cardinals. The 22-year-old had gone 45 games (182 plate appearances) without a home run prior to leaving the yard in back-to-back contests Sunday and Monday, However, thanks to his consistently solid contributions in other offensive categories, Carlson is still rewarding fantasy managers with a .269 average and .357 on-base percentage as well as 15 total extra-base hits (eight doubles, two triples, five homers).
May 31 2021Carlson went 2-for-4 with a solo home run in Sunday's 9-2 loss to the Diamondbacks. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson hit a solo bomb off Matt Peacock in the first inning, putting the Cardinals on the board. It was nice to see the outfielder have a multi-hit game after recording just two hits in his last six games prior to Sunday. The 22-year-old is slashing .270/.359/.404 with four home runs, 22 RBI and 28 runs in 209 plate appearances.
May 29 2021Carlson, who went 1-for-4 with an RBI ground-rule double, a walk and a run in a win over the Diamondbacks on Friday, is hitting just .105 (2-for-19) in the five games since returning from a one-game absence due to a back injury. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson missed Sunday's game against the Cubs with the back issue, and his poor performance at the plate may be an indication he's still struggling with the injury somewhat. The talented outfielder still sports a solid .271 average and stellar .360 on-base percentage on the season, however, and perhaps Friday's production will jump start his bat again.
May 24 2021Carlson (back) will bat second and play right field Monday against the White Sox, Zachary Silver of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson didn't appear in either weekend game against the Cubs after being scratched from Saturday's lineup with a sore back. The Cardinals are clearly confident in his health, however, as he'll play the outfield despite the fact that the team has a designated hitter available with the game being played at an American League park.
May 23 2021Carlson (back) is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Cubs, Zachary Silver of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson was a late scratch from the lineup ahead of Saturday's 2-1 win due to a tight back, and the young outfielder is apparently still hurting one day later. According to Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat, manager Mike Shildt said that Carlson required additional treatment Sunday, but the Cardinals are hopeful the 22-year-old will be available for the series finale in a pinch-hitting capacity. Lane Thomas will pick up the start in right field in Carlson's stead.
May 22 2021Carlson was scratched from the lineup ahead of Saturday's game against the Cubs due to a tight back, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson's initial diagnosis doesn't seem like a particularly serious one, though his expected return date is not yet clear. Lane Thomas will start in right field in his absence.
May 17 2021Carlson went 2-for-4 with a run in a loss to the Padres on Sunday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson entered Sunday's contest mired in a 1-for-23 slump that had encompassed his previous five games, but his first multi-hit effort since May 9 took care of eradicating the skid. Carlson continued to demonstrate a certain degree of plate discipline during the slowdown by at least drawing five walks within that span, and despite the rough patch, he's still sports a solid .281/.372/.424 slash line with 12 extra-base hits (seven doubles, two triples, three home runs) across 164 plate appearances.
May 10 2021Carlson went 2-for-3 with a walk in a win over the Rockies on Sunday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: On a quiet afternoon for offense on either side, Carlson contributed one of two multi-hit efforts for the Cardinals. The 22-year-old is clicking at the plate, having generated three straight two-hit tallies and sporting a .476 average with three RBI, two walks, a hit by pitch and five runs across what is now a seven-game hitting streak.
May 7 2021Carlson went 2-for-4 with a RBI in the 5-0 win Friday against the Rockies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson's two singles Friday gives him a five-game hitting streak. The rookie is hitting well this season, with a .283/.352/.460 slash line in 128 plate appearances. However, he hasn't homered since April 7 and he has no extra-base hits in his last six games.
May 6 2021Carlson (shin) will bat second and play right field Thursday against the Mets. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson fouled a ball off his right shin in the first game of Wednesday's doubleheader and did not start the nightcap, though he did record a hit off the bench. He'll be involved from the start this time around, looking to build on his .276/.350/.467 slash line through his first 120 plate appearances.
May 5 2021Carlson was removed from Game 1 of Wednesday's doubleheader against the Mets with a right shin contusion and is out of the lineup for Game 2, Zachary Silver of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 22-year-old went 1-for-3 with a run scored during the matinee and left the contest after fouling a ball off his right shin. Carlson should be considered day-to-day heading into Thursday's series finale versus the Mets.
Apr 28 2021Carlson went 2-for-4 with two runs in a win over the Phillies on Tuesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 22-year-old now has three multi-hit efforts in the last four games, although all but one of his eight hits during that span have been singles. Nevertheless, Carlson's slash sits at a stellar .303/.393/.526 across 89 plate appearances going into Wednesday night's action, with well-balanced offensive contributions that included four doubles, two triples, three home runs and 13 RBI integral building blocks of those numbers.
Apr 25 2021Carlson went 3-for-4 with a double, an RBI and a run scored in Sunday's 5-2 win over the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson earned his second straight three-hit game with Sunday's performance, raising his season average to .309 in 68 at-bats. He drove in a run with an RBI single in the fifth inning and later scored an insurance run in the eighth. The highly-touted prospect is showing steady improvement after his disappointing 2020 results.
Apr 20 2021Carlson went 1-for-3 with a triple and two runs in a win over the Nationals on Monday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson's first three-bagger of the season put him in position to eventually come home on Paul DeJong's fifth-inning grand slam. The 22-year-old appears to have made significant strides at the plate since his initial big-league cup of coffee last season, as he already matched his 2020 home-run tally (three) in 96 fewer plate appearances and now sports a .260/.377/.540 line that leaves last season's .200/.252/.364 slash across 119 PAs in the dust.
Apr 14 2021Carlson isn't in the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Nationals, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson recorded three hits and two runs in Tuesday's win over the Nationals, but he'll sit for the first time this season during Wednesday's series finale. Tommy Edman will take over in right field while Matt Carpenter starts at second base.
Apr 13 2021Carlson went 3-for-4 with a walk and two runs scored Tuesday against the Nationals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson has racked up plenty of counting stats early on this season, delivering three home runs, nine RBI and seven runs scored across 11 games. However, he had not recorded more than one hit in a contest until Tuesday's effort. While his production has been strong through 44 plate appearances, he's punching out an elevated 29.5 percent clip and has struck out at least once in all but one start this season.
Apr 7 2021Carlson went 1-for-4 with a grand slam Wednesday against the Marlins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson was held hitless through three at-bats, but came to the plate with the bases loaded in the ninth inning and smacked his third home run of the season. He's had an interesting start to the season, as his only three hits of the campaign have all gone over the fence. As a result, he's hitting only .158 and has a 30.4 percent strikeout rate, a mark that will likely need to come down for Carlson to remain productive.
Apr 6 2021Carlson went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Tuesday's 4-2 win over the Marlins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He gave the Cards an insurance run in the top of the ninth inning by taking Richard Bleier deep. Carlson has two homers and five RBI through five games, but those are his only two hits and the 22-year-old has a 2:6 BB:K.
Mar 24 2021Carlson is expected to serve as the starting center fielder for the Cardinals with Harrison Bader (forearm) sidelined to begin the regular season, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Manager Mike Shildt revealed Wednesday that Bader is dealing with a "flare up" in his forearm that will keep him sidelined at least four weeks. Carlson is starting in center field during Wednesday's Grapefruit League game and should see most of his playing time at the position while Bader is unavailable. Shildt hasn't announced who will start in right field, but Justin Williams, Lane Thomas and Austin Dean are candidates to fill in while the Cardinals are shorthanded in the outfield.
Mar 21 2021Carlson went 2-for-2 with a two-run home run, a walk and an additional run in a Grapefruit League win over the Astros on Saturday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The elite prospect was hitting just .182 after an 0-for-4 tally last Sunday against the Mets, but he's gone 4-for-9 with a triple, Saturday's round tripper, three RBI, three walks and four runs in his subsequent four contests. Zachary Silver of MLB.com reports both the switch-hitting Carlson's three-bagger and the homer came from the left side of the plate, where he's remain focused recently as he approaches a season he's expected to begin as the Cardinals' starting right fielder.
Feb 25 2021Carlson diligently prepared this offseason for what should be an extended major-league opportunity in 2021 and has a chance to win a starting job ahead of Opening Day, Zachary Silver of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 22-year-old had a couple of stints with the big-league club during the abbreviated 2020 season, each with markedly different results. Carlson finished his initial tour of duty with St. Louis slashing just .162/.215/.243, but he bounced back to generate a .278 average and .936 OPS over the final 12 games of the campaign. Carlson then hit .333 over his three playoff appearances, giving him some momentum heading into the offseason. He subsequently put his time off to good use, working on further refining an already impressive swing and putting on some additional muscle. Carlson has a chance to push for the right field job in spring training if he can pick up where he left off, and Silver adds that the currently vacant leadoff role could be a good landing spot for him in the lineup.
Oct 1 2020Carlson went 2-for-3 with two walks and a pair of runs scored in Wednesday's wild-card Game 1 win over the Padres. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson struggled to a .162/.215/.243 line in 23 games in his first big-league stint, but he returned following a brief demotion to hit .278/.325/.611 over 12 games to close the year. If Wednesday's performance is any indication, the latter stretch is closer to what can be expected of the rookie going forward. The Cardinals apparently think so, as they trusted him with the cleanup spot.
Sep 27 2020Carlson will start in left field and bat cleanup against Brett Anderson and the Brewers on Sunday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: As Rob Rains of StLSportsPage.com notes, Carlson is the first 21-year-old player to start a game in the cleanup spot for the Cardinals since Albert Pujols in 2001. Carlson has really turned it on since returning from the alternate site, slashing .313/.361/.668 with two homers in 11 games.
Sep 26 2020Carlson went 1-for-3 with a two-run double, a walk and a run during a win over the Brewers in the second game of a doubleheader Friday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The rookie continues to look like a completely different player in his latest big-league stint, with Friday's double marking his fourth extra-base hit of the last five games, a stretch during which he also has a pair of multi-hit efforts and seven RBI. Carlson is still slashing just .214/.268/.388 for the season, but his line since being called back from the alternate training site on Sept. 18 is an exponentially more impressive .345/.394/.759 over 10 games (33 plate appearances).
Sep 24 2020Carlson went 2-for-4 with a home run, a double and three RBI In a win over Milwaukee on Thursday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Among a starting lineup composed primarily of veterans. it was the rookie who led the Cardinals to a major victory in their quest for a playoff spot, notching half of the team's four hits and driving in three of their four runs. Carlson knocked in two with a home run to right field in the fourth inning and plated another with a double in the sixth. In doing so, he managed to bring his season average over the Mendoza Line to .202. Since returning to the active roster Sept. 18, Carlson is hitting .320 with nine RBI.
Sep 22 2020Carlson went 3-for-4 with a two-RBI double and two runs scored in Tuesday's 5-0 win over the Royals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson also tripled and singled in the contest, but he flew out in the eighth inning in his one chance to complete the cycle. The outfielder's biggest contribution was a two-RBI double in the second inning, and he came around to score on Kolten Wong's single. In the sixth, Carlson got aboard with a single and later scored on a Tommy Edman sacrifice fly. In 29 games, the 21-year-old Carlson is slashing .196/.235/.337 with two homers, 11 RBI, nine runs scored and a stolen base.
Sep 20 2020Carlson will start in center field and will bat eighth Sunday against the Pirates. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson was unproductive during his first stint in the big leagues, but he's started his second callup period on the right foot. He started both of the past two games, going a collective 2-for-6 with a home run and four RBI. If he turns in another strong showing at the dish Sunday, Carlson could be in store for steady at-bats over the final week of the regular season.
Sep 19 2020Carlson went 2-for-3 with a three-run homer in a 7-2 win over the Pirates in the second game of Friday's doubleheader. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After appearing as a pinch hitter in the matinee following his recall from the Cards' alternate site, Carlson got the start in center field during the nightcap and wrapped up the scoring for the evening with his second home run of the year. The 21-year-old is slashing only .179/.229/.295 through his first 25 big-league games, but his future remains very bright.
Sep 18 2020Carlson was recalled by the Cardinals on Friday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson entered the year with plenty of hype, but he didn't come close to delivering on it in his first 23 big-league games, hitting .162/.215/.243. That's not nearly a large enough sample to conclude that the hype was misplaced, though it's also not clear why things would be dramatically different after he spent just 10 days off the big-league roster. What exactly his role will be down the stretch remains to be seen. Max Schrock was optioned in a corresponding move.
Sep 8 2020Carlson was optioned to the Cardinals' alternate training site Tuesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The highly-touted rookie simply hasn't been remotely productive in his first 23 big-league games, hitting just .162/.215/.243. His .220 BABIP suggests he's gotten a bit unlucky, but he's also striking out 29.1 percent of the time and simply isn't hitting the ball hard, as Statcast gives him an expected batting average of just .216. It remains to be seen whether or not he'll have another chance on the big-league roster down the stretch. Carlos Martinez returned from the COVID-19 injured list in a corresponding move.
Sep 7 2020Carlson is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Cubs, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After producing one hit in 18 at-bats over his last six games to drop his season-long slash line to .162/.215/.243, Carlson looks like he may have lost out on a full-time role with the big club. He'll be on the bench for a third straight contest Monday, allowing both Harrison Bader and Tyler O'Neill to stick in the starting outfield alongside Tommy Edman. Carlson could be at risk of a demotion once Dexter Fowler is cleared to return from the COVID-19 injured list.
Sep 2 2020Carlson is not in the lineup Wednesday against the Reds, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson is 1-for-12 with four strikeouts in his past four games and will sit back-to-back contests for the first time since being called up in mid-August. Tyler O'Neill, Lane Thomas and Tommy Edman will start from left to right in the outfield Wednesday.
Sep 1 2020Carlson isn't in Tuesday's lineup against the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson went 1-for-12 with two RBI and four strikeouts over the past four games, and he'll take a breather Tuesday. Lane Thomas will start in center field.
Aug 31 2020Carlson went 1-for-3 with a two-run infield single in a win over the Indians on Sunday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson is still slashing .188/.246/.281, so he still clearly needs plenty of seasoning against big-league arms. However, the promising outfielder has now hit safely in seven of his last eight starts, a stretch during which he has one multi-hit effort, three extra-base hits (two doubles, one home run) and five RBI. Carlson's overall struggles aside, it's clear the Cardinals organization is intent on holding true to the pledge of giving Carlson as many reps as possible for what remains of the regular season.
Aug 29 2020Carlson isn't in Saturday's lineup against Cleveland, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson's six-game hitting streak came to an end Friday, and he'll take a seat for Saturday's contest. Dexter Fowler will shift to right field with Tyler O'Neill starting in left field.
Aug 23 2020Carlson went 2-for-4 with a two-run home run and two runs scored Sunday against the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson came to the dish with two outs and a runner on first in the seventh inning and delivered his first career home run. While the longball was the more notable milestone, it was also Carlson's first multi-hit game, as he delivered a single to lead off the fourth inning. It's been a bit of a rocky start in the big leagues for Carlson, as he's now hitting .154/.195/.256 across 41 plate appearances.
Aug 21 2020Carlson is out of the lineup Friday against the Reds, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson played every inning of the Cardinals' nine games over the past six days, so it's a well-earned day off for the rookie despite his slow start (4-for-31 with nine strikeouts) at the plate. Tyler O'Neill, Harrison Bader and Dexter Fowler will start in the outfield from left to right Friday.
Aug 15 2020Carlson went 1-for-6 with a double and a walk across both games of a doubleheader against the White Sox on Saturday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson went hitless in his first major-league contest, but rebounded to get on base twice in the second game. He first reached on a free pass in the fourth frame, but followed that up with a double into right field in the fifth inning. The 21-year-old is widely considered one of the best prospects in the game and is expected to get regular playing time for the remainder of the season.
Aug 14 2020Carlson, who will be part of the 28-man active roster when the Cardinals resume play Saturday, will start in one of the outfield spots, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. "I would imagine he's going to play, just like I stated all along," president of baseball operations John Mozeliak said. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The elite prospect's highly anticipated big-league debut is on the verge of officially unfolding, certainly helped along by the Cardinals' barrage of positive COVID-19 cases. Carlson has logged time at all three outfield spots during his brief minor-league career and did the same in spring training, so it's not yet clear who'd he supplant in the starting lineup if Goold's report ultimately bears out. However, Tyler O'Neill, who the Cardinals want to get as many reps as possible against big-league arms in the interest of his continued development and considerable upside, is likely safe, meaning center fielder Harrison Bader (.091/.231/.182 slash through four games) or right fielder Dexter Fowler (.250/.294/.438 through five games) appear to be the candidates to take a seat. Meanwhile Mike Rosenbaum of MLB.com speculates Carlson could simply be shifted around all three outfield positions over time due what he assesses as the 21-year-old's "excellent defensive instincts, quick first step and knack for taking efficient routes".
Aug 13 2020Carlson will be on the Cardinals' 28-man roster when they receive clearance to resume their season, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: St. Louis hasn't played a game since July 29 due to the team's COVID-19 outbreak, but the club is hoping to resume play Saturday against the White Sox. It was previously reported that Carlson was likely to be called-up with outfielders Lane Thomas and Austin Dean both having tested positive for the virus, and now the 21-year-old will officially join the club when the team does indeed get cleared to resume their season.
Aug 12 2020Carlson is likely to be added to the major-league roster once the Cardinals receive clearance to resume their season, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: St. Louis hasn't played a game since July 29 due to the team's COVID-19 outbreak and doesn't have a set date for a return to game action, but outfield depth will likely be required with Lane Thomas and Austin Dean both reporting positive test results. The starting outfield of Tyler O'Neill, Harrison Bader and Dexter Fowler hasn't tested positive and should be available upon the return to play, but it remains a prime opportunity for Carlson to receive the big-league promotion and potentially secure his longer-term place on the roster.
Jul 23 2020The Cardinals optioned Carlson to their alternate training site Thursday, Andersen Pickard of MLBDailyDish.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson is very likely to be placed on the active roster sometime after the first six days of the regular season, thereby granting the Cardinals another year of team control. The outfield prospect's eventual arrival will lead manager Mike Shildt with some tough roster decisions involving Tyler O'Neill, Harrison Bader and Dexter Fowler, the projected starting outfield for St. Louis. Carlson has experience playing all three outfield spots during his time in the minors and is coming off an impressive 2019 campaign at the plate. The 21-year-old finished off last season with Triple-A Memphis and posted a .361/.418/.681 slash line with five home runs and nine RBI across 79 plate appearances.
Jul 19 2020Carlson is highly likely to be placed on the active roster sometime after the first six days of the regular season, thereby preventing the Cardinals from losing a year of team control, Mark Saxon of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The prize prospect's highly anticipated major-league debut isn't projected for Opening Day due to this year's service-time rules, but if Carlson is officially placed on the roster more than six days into the regular season, his service-time clock won't begin ticking in 2020. The 21-year-old's eventual arrival carries the potential to make some relatively quick waves personnel-wise; Tyler O'Neill , Harrison Bader and Dexter Fowler, the projected starting outfield, all enter the season with question marks about their bats to varying degree, while Carlson has experience playing all three outfield spots during his time in the minors.
Jun 29 2020Carlson was included in the player pool that will report the Cardinals' summer camp July 1, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carlson's status as one of the organization's elite prospects renders this move unsurprising, and it officially confirms the promising outfielder will have a legitimate opportunity to stake a claim for a spot on the 30-man Opening Day roster. However, it's worth noting that Mark Saxon of The Athletic reports Carlson could begin the regular season with a Triple-A designation as a procedural move; service-time rules in place for 2020 dictate a team could gain an extra year of control if a player spends at least seven days assigned to a minor-league team in the organization.
May 12 2020Carlson is considered "a lock" for the big-league club this coming regular season now that expanded rosters are strongly expected to be implemented, Mark Saxon of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Saxon adds that the one challenge attached to getting the promising 21-year-old into the big-league ranks this season is the fact he's not on the 40-man roster. That means bringing Carlson into the fold will necessitate another player being removed from the 40-man or getting placed on the 60-day injured list. Nevertheless, it appears highly likely the organization will opt to take this step, which will give Carlson a potential head start on a big-league career that otherwise may not have begun until September at the earliest if the season had unfolded normally. Although Carlson has only logged 79 plate appearances at the Triple-A level, Rick Hummel of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports he's already made a significant impression on the major-league coaching staff, including former outfielder Willie McGee. "Oh, man. Hits the ball hard from both sides of the plate. Runs better than it looks,"McGee said. "Outstanding outfielder. Just a good athlete. And the most impressive thing about him is that he's a lot more mature than his age. He's ahead of the game, mentally, knowing situations."
Aug 28 2019Carlson, who's slashing .385/.439/.654 across his first 57 plate appearances at Triple-A Memphis, is expected to compete for a spot on the 2020 Opening Day roster,
Aug 22 2019Carlson is hitting .552 (16-for-29) with three doubles, one triple, two home runs, six RBI, four walks and eight runs over his first seven games with Triple-A Memphis.
Aug 15 2019Carlson was promoted from Double-A Springfield to Triple-A Memphis on Thursday, Rob Rains of StLSportsPage.com reports.
Jul 18 2019Carlson, who's hitting .317 overall in his last 10 games at Double-A Springfield, went 3-for-4 with two solo home runs in a win over Amarillo on Wednesday.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.