The St. Louis Cardinals are dealing with another setback as they prepare to face the Chicago Cubs without their eight-time All-Star third baseman Nolan Arenado. Arenado, who was initially listed as the starting third baseman, was scratched about an hour before the game due to a right shoulder impingement and is now considered day-to-day.
This comes after Arenado missed two games earlier in the week because of a bruised right index finger but had returned to the lineup on Friday. With Arenado sidelined again, Thomas Saggese will take over at third base and bat fifth for the Cardinals in today’s game at Wrigley Field, scheduled for a 1:20 p.m. CST first pitch.
Cardinals Struggle to Regain Momentum Amid Injuries
The Cardinals were riding high following a strong road sweep over the Guardians last weekend, which put them within reach of first place in the NL Central. However, that momentum stalled as they were swept by the Pittsburgh Pirates in a three-game series where they failed to score a single run. Following an 11-3 loss to the Cubs yesterday, St. Louis now sits 6.5 games behind the division leader.
Alongside Arenado’s absence, the team continues to feel the impact of missing Iván Herrera, who has been one of their most productive hitters when healthy. Additionally, Willson Contreras is also dealing with injuries, further thinning the Cardinals’ lineup during this challenging stretch. The team looks forward to the upcoming All-Star break as a chance to regroup and recover key players.
Lineup Adjustments and Upcoming Schedule
With Arenado out today, Thomas Saggese will start at third base while the rest of the lineup remains unchanged. The Cardinals will complete their series against the Cubs tomorrow night before taking an off day on Monday. After that, St. Louis will host the Nationals and the Braves in games leading up to the All-Star break.
These matchups are critical for the Cardinals as they attempt to close the gap within the division while managing multiple injuries to key players. How the team performs in the coming days will shape their positioning heading into the midseason pause.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Nolan Arenado the best 3rd baseman ever?
A. He will be remembered as one of the top third basemen ever. He is expected to be inducted into the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. Nolan Arenado is one of only seven MLB players to achieve over 350 home runs and win more than ten Gold Glove Awards. If Scott Rolen was inducted, then any third baseman who is above average should also be recognized.
Q. Has Nolan Arenado ever won a world series?
A. He made the All-Star team three times and won the Gold Glove twice. In 2022, he placed third in the NL MVP voting. However, during his time with the Cardinals, the team never won a playoff series. Now, Arenado has a chance to win his first World Series before he retires.