Cardinals No. 3 Prospect Joshua Báez Making MLB Debut vs. Cubs

Joshua Báez, the Cardinals' No. 3 prospect, is making his MLB debut against the Cubs at Wrigley Field — which is either a dream scenario or a trial by fire, depending on your disposition toward rivalry optics.

Per beat reporter Derrick Goold, Báez is penciled into the starting lineup in left field and batting fifth. The Cardinals officially promoted him to the active roster, with César Prieto optioned to Triple-A Memphis as the corresponding move, per earlier reporting.

What we know

Báez arrives with a reputation built in part on power — he was noted as the Triple-A home run leader prior to the call-up. The Cardinals have formally celebrated what they're calling "Báez Day," which suggests the organization is not exactly downplaying the moment.

What remains unconfirmed

Zach Sweet's piece for MLB.com does not detail a specific stat line, timetable for his role going forward, or any additional roster context beyond the debut itself. How the Cardinals plan to deploy him beyond today's start is not yet established in the available material.

A Wrigley debut against a division rival is about as unsubtle an entrance as the sport offers. Whether Báez makes it memorable is the only question left open.