Cardinals Manager Puts Conditions On Tyler O'Neill's Potential Return For Playoffs

St. Louis Cardinals gold glove outfielder Tyler O'Neill has been out with a left hamstring strain since Sept. 16th. And while he's scheduled to hit on the field over each of the next three days, manager Oliver Marmol says that won't be the only indicator of whether or not he'll be activated for the National League Division Series.

#STLCards manager Oliver Marmol said he wants OF Tyler O’Neill (left hamstring pull) fully back — able to hit, run down fly balls, steal bags & successfully tag up — if he is to be activated and on the roster for next weekend’s Wildcard Series.

— John Denton (@JohnDenton555) October 3, 2022

Marmol said he wants O’Neill fully back — that includes not only being able to hit, but also able to run down fly balls, steal bags & successfully tag up — if he is to be activated and on the roster for the Wild Card Series, which begins in St. Louis on Friday. 

Tyler O’Neill had a full day of baseball activities and took 4-5 live AB’s against Cabrera and Naughton. Marmol confirmed today it would be difficult for the Cardinals to activate him for the WC series if he wasn’t at full strength, so these next three days are pivotal.

— Katie Woo (@katiejwoo) October 3, 2022

O'Neill is having a down season this year, following up a 2021 season in which he finished 8th in the NL in MVP voting, batting .286 with a .912 OPS, with 34 HR and 80 RBIs. This year, O'Neill has only played in 96 games, and has slumped to a .228 average with a .700 OPS, 14 HR and 58 RBIs. 

The Cardinals will be hosting the 3rd Wild Card team, either the Philadelphia Phillies, San Diego Padres, or, if they're able to overcome huge odds this week, the Milwaukee Brewers. 

Photo: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports