Redbirds 2B Kolten Wong Hits Walk-Off Grand Slam In Season Debut With Triple-A Memphis

Second Baseman Kolten Wong homered in his first at-bat and hit a grand slam in the last at-bat of the game during his season debut with Class AAA Memphis on Thursday.

Redbirds 2B Kolten Wong Hits Walk-Off Grand Slam In Season Debut With Triple-A Memphis

Just days after being demoted from the majors, Wong went three-for-five with two homers and a walk-off grand slam to win the game 8-5 for the Triple-A Redbirds. Memphis led 2-1 heading into the ninth, when reliever Sam Tuivailala allowed a grand slam that gave the Colorado Springs Sky Sox a 5-2 lead. The Redbirds scored six without getting an out in the bottom of the ninth, which ended with Wong’s slam.

A former first-round pick, Wong was demoted from the St. Louis Cardinals this week to rediscover his swing–he had a .222 average in the majors and only four extra-base hits this season. The Redbirds began a homestand at AutoZone Park on Thursday.

Wong’s departure permitted the Cardinals to shift Matt Carpenter to second base, start Jhonny Peralta– who was activated from the disabled list following left thumb surgery–at third base, and keep Aledmys Diaz at shortstop. The team plans to have Wong play only at second base when he returns to the majors. The Cardinals have even previously downplayed the possibility of playing Wong in center field.

“We’ll adjust where we need to go,” Cardinals manager Mike Matheny said. “We have enough versatility where, if something were to happen and he comes back, it opens up other spots to move wherever we need (someone) to move.”

General manager John Mozeliak said Wong’s option was potentially a “short-term” one and added the club had not given up on the 25-year-old Hawaiian, who was given a $25.5 million, five-year contract this spring.

“Obviously, we made the investment,” said Mozeliak. “I do see him at some point getting that job back.”

Wong sensed on Sunday night that he might be sent back to the minors for the second time in three seasons.

“Hey, if it is, it is,” he said. “If they feel like they need to put me down there to figure something out …’’

In 2014, Wong was sent to Memphis for three weeks and hit .344, spring-boarding himself back to the big leagues and he finished the year with 12 homers and 20 steals at the major league level.

Wong will get at least some steady at-bats that way, and he said Sunday, “That would be good. Whatever they decide, I’ll be ready for.”

Wong expressed confidence that there would soon be a course correction. However, he also added: “I don’t deserve to be playing right now.”

The Cardinals (32-28, 2nd in NL Central) won a road game against the Cincinnati Reds 3-2 on Thursday night.

PHOTO: ST LOUIS, MO – OCTOBER 10: Kolten Wong #16 of the St. Louis Cardinals celebrates after hitting a solo home run in the fifth inning against the Chicago Cubs during game two of the National League Division Series at Busch Stadium on October 10, 2015 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

Article by Pablo Mena