Struggling Cardinals Make Stunning Move Involving Top Prospect; What Is Next For Club?

Did the Cardinals make the right decision?

The St. Louis Cardinals' struggles have continued. 

St. Louis hasn't gotten off to the start it had hoped for this season and is 9-16 through 25 games. The Cardinals are 3-7 over their last 10 games -- including five of their last six games. 

One of the brightest spots for the Cardinals for the first two weeks of the season without a doubt was top prospect Jordan Walker. The 20-year-old made history as the youngest player to make his debut with the club in roughly 40 years and tied the record for longest hit streak for a player 20 years old or younger with an eye-popping 12.

It will be some time before we see him again at Busch Stadium, though, as the club officially optioned the young outfielder to the Triple-A Memphis Redbirds and replaced him on the roster with infielder Taylor Motter. 

Walker was red-hot to start the season, but had slightly cooled off as of late. So far this season, Walker is slashing .274/.321/.397 to go along with two home runs and 11 RBIs. The young outfielder at points has been caught in a logjam in the outfield so the move clears that up while giving him everyday at-bats to work on his swing. 

Motter has appeared in seven games so far this season for St. Louis but was placed on waivers. He now returns on a new MLB deal and likely will provide more infield depth for the club. 

St. Louis' struggles have been apparent this season and mainly have been due to the team's pitching. Giving Walker extra at-bats certainly will help him in the long run, but he hasn't been the club's biggest issue. Veteran hurler Adam Wainwright will return shortly and there are plenty of intriguing trade options. One thing for sure is the fact that St. Louis will need to figure things out sooner rather than later.

More MLB: MLB Insider Links Cardinals To NL East Club In Potential Blockbuster Trade