Tink Hence's Starting Role: A Decision That's Sparking Debate!
It seems the St. Louis Cardinals are sticking with Tink Hence as a starter for the foreseeable future. Manager Oliver Marmol recently shared that the idea of shifting Hence to a relief pitcher hasn't been a serious topic of discussion lately. This comes after some internal talks back in December, where the team's president of baseball operations, Chaim Bloom, considered if moving to the bullpen might be a better long-term strategy for Hence's health. But for now, the Cardinals are keeping the right-handed pitcher in the starting rotation.
But here's where it gets complicated... Hence has had his share of injury woes, limiting him to just eight appearances in 2025 due to a lat strain and shoulder impingement. He's also struggled with durability, never quite reaching 100 innings in a professional season. This is precisely why the idea of a bullpen move was even considered – to potentially manage his workload and protect his arm.
And this is the part most people miss... This past offseason, the 23-year-old pitcher worked diligently on his mechanics and adopted a new stretching and recovery regimen. He entered spring training feeling healthy, which is a huge positive step! While he's currently on the 40-man roster, he hasn't yet made it past Double-A Springfield. It's even possible he'll start the 2026 campaign back at Springfield, continuing his development.
Now, let's talk about what truly matters: your opinion! Is keeping Hence in the rotation the right move for the Cardinals, given his injury history? Or would a move to the bullpen be a more prudent choice for his long-term career? Share your thoughts in the comments below – we'd love to hear if you agree or disagree with the team's current strategy!
