Wong Assigned to Minor League Camp

The Saint Louis Cardinals announced Saturday that five players, including Hilo native Kolten Wong, have been optioned to minor league camp, ending their run in Spring Training with the major league club.

Joining Wong in minor league camp is pitcher Seth Maness, outfielder Justin Christian, and catchers Audry Perez and J.R. Towles.

The Kamehameha-Hawai`i graduate played in 19 games during Grapefruit League play, an increase from only three a year ago. Wong hit .250 (7-for-28) with one home run, four extra base hits, and three runs batted in. He also stole a base and scored four runs.

Wong is still viewed by many experts as a future big leaguer in the Cardinals organization, which is known to slowly nurture their prospects along before moving them up to the big league club. The Cardinals will likely rely on a combination of Matt Carpenter and Daniel Descalso at second base.

The former University of Hawai`i standout will begin the season in Triple-A Memphis. The Redbirds of the Pacific Coast League will begin their season on Thursday, April 4 against the Oklahoma City RedHawks.