St. Louis Cardinals fans welcomed Nolan Arenado back to the starting lineup for Game 2 against the Washington Nationals, bringing some relief after his recent absence due to injury. Arenado, 34, missed three games over four days because of a right shoulder impingement, which led to uncertainty about his availability.
Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol addressed Arenado’s condition, indicating he is feeling better and the team hopes to avoid placing him on the 10-day injured list. More updates on Arenado’s status were expected later in the week, as reported by The Athletic’s Katie Woo. Despite Arenado’s absence, the Cardinals secured a victory in Game 1 of the series against the Nationals.
Details of Arenado’s Return and Lineup Adjustments
With Nolan Arenado back, the Cardinals made a lineup change by replacing Nolan Gorman at third base. Arenado took the fifth spot in the batting order for the Wednesday night game at Busch Stadium. Yohel Pozo started as the designated hitter, and Pedro Pagés was slotted in as catcher.
Pedro Pagés has been a regular in the Cardinals’ lineup this season, appearing in 71 games and currently batting .213 with 25 RBIs. However, some fans have voiced frustration about Marmol’s decision to consistently start Pagés despite lower offensive production. This discontent was evident on social media, as one user wrote,
“THERE IS NO REASON FOR PAGES TO PLAY EVERYDAY,”
and added,
“Why would anyone, as a fan, want to consistently watch Pages, Mikolas, and Fedde??? It’s crazy they keep doing this.”
—X user
Other fans also expressed concern over the catcher situation, questioning the lack of a backup behind Pagés. Another fan commented,
“Soooo no backup catcher tonight? This seems like a ballsy move. If Pages gets hurt, Pozo goes to catcher BUT you lose the DH right? Wow that is a choice.”
—X user
Fan Reactions to Lineup Choices Amid Key Injuries and NL Central Competition
Arenado’s return provides a much-needed boost for the Cardinals as they navigate injuries and a competitive NL Central race. Still, choices involving players like Pedro Pagés continue to stir debate and anxiety among the fanbase, highlighting tensions surrounding roster management. With every game crucial, the team’s decisions on who to start will remain under close scrutiny moving forward.
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’s destined for the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown,” DeRo said. Nolan Arenado is one of only seven Major League Baseball players with over 350 home runs and at least 10 Gold Glove Awards. If Scott Rolen, who was better than just above average, made it to the Hall of Fame, then any above-average third baseman should too.
Q. Has Nolan Arenado ever won a world series?
A. He was selected as an All-Star three times and earned two Gold Gloves. In 2022, he placed third in the NL MVP voting. However, while with the Cardinals, the team never won a playoff series. Now, Arenado has a chance to win his first World Series before his career ends.