Rico

Washington

It’ll be the major league debut for the 29-year-old Washington, who has had several solid minor league seasons but never could convince the Pirates to carry him as a reserve. He’ll probably hang around only until Brendan Ryan returns.

Washington would get the nod over D’Angelo Jimenez and act as Brendan Ryan’s replacement. Washington, 29, hasn’t had a major league plate appearance in 11 seasons as a pro, but hit .333 this spring and showed versatility in the infield. Asked about Washington’s prospects of making the team, manager Tony La Russa said Friday, “it makes so much sense. The pitching thing is a lot tougher.”

The Cards had hoped Ryan would be cleared for game activity in time to play on Friday, but that’s not expected to happen until Saturday. He could be up by the end of the first week, but in the meantime St. Louis could go with Rico Washington over D’Angelo Jimenez, largely because Washington would still have options if added to the 40-man roster.

This decision has created a lot of tension in the Cardinals organization. It’s not clear if pitching coach Dave Duncan even wants Reyes on the team. They have battled in the past over pitch style and selection. Duncan loves groundball pitchers that keep the ball low. Reyes sees himself as more of a strikeout pitcher and likes to use the whole zone. Upper management demanded earlier in the week that Reyes be on the roster, and it should be interesting how much and in what setting he is used during the season. The Cardinals also made it official that Rico Washington will be on the 25-man roster. He’ll be used as a utility infielder until Brendan Ryan returns.

Ryan is 1-for-9 between the two games. He’ll probably spend the rest of the week regaining his swing in the minors before resuming a utility role on the Cardinals. Rico Washington figures to lose his spot once Ryan is ready.

Washington didn’t last until Brendan Ryan was activated after all. He went 3-for-19 with two doubles and three RBI in his first stint in the majors.