Cardinals demote former All-Star DeJong to Triple-A

The St. Louis Cardinals sent former All-Star shortstop Paul DeJong to Triple-A Memphis, the team announced Tuesday.

DeJong has struggled in 2022, slashing .130/.209/.208 with one home run, seven RBIs, and 10 hits in 86 plate appearances.

"I love the Cardinals fans, the Cardinals organization, my coaches and teammates," DeJong said in a statement to The Athletic's Katie Woo. "I'm sorry this happened. I have always wanted to make everyone proud, and I plan on coming back stronger than ever."

The 28-year-old has seen his production decline in three consecutive seasons since being named to the National League's roster for the 2019 Midsummer Classic.

DeJong hit .250 with a .671 OPS during the 2020 campaign before ending last season with a .197 batting average and .284 on-base percentage.

The Cardinals signed DeJong to a six-year extension before the 2018 season. The six-year MLB veteran was earning just over $6 million this season and is due $9.16 million in 2023. His contract also has a $12.5-million option for 2024 and a $15-million option for 2025.

Tommy Edman is expected to replace DeJong as the Cardinals' starting shortstop, according to Woo.