The St. Louis Cardinals, now outside playoff contention with a 57–58 record, have shifted focus toward rebuilding after trading All-Star closer Ryan Helsley at the trade deadline. Amid these changes, veteran third baseman Nolan Arenado remains with the team but is currently sidelined due to injury. On August 1, Arenado was placed on the 10-day injured list because of a right shoulder issue, and the team recently announced he will begin a rehab assignment in Jupiter, Florida, starting Friday.

Manager Oliver Marmol confirmed that Arenado will report to Jupiter to start this next phase of recovery, aiming for a gradual return once his shoulder improves. The Cardinals expect that after strengthening his shoulder during the rehab stint, Arenado could soon resume playing in games there.

“#STLCards third baseman Nolan Arenado will report to Jupiter, Fla., on Friday to begin a rehab assignment, manager Oliver Marmol said. The club’s thinking is that after his shoulder strengthens, he could soon appear in games there.”

— John Denton, Cardinals Beat Reporter

Arenado’s Performance and Injury Challenges This Season

Now in his fifth season with the Cardinals since being acquired from the Colorado Rockies before the 2021 campaign, 34-year-old Arenado is experiencing the most difficult offensive period of his 13-year major league career. Over 96 games this year, he has posted a batting average of just .235 with a .660 OPS and 10 home runs — marks that fall below his career standards.

Arenado has acknowledged that the shoulder problem has affected his performance throughout the season and initially resisted taking time off. Ultimately, the discomfort reached a point where playing through the injury was no longer feasible, prompting the placement on the injured list.

Highlighting Arenado’s Accomplished Career Despite Current Setbacks

Despite this challenging season, Arenado’s legacy as one of baseball’s top third basemen remains intact. Across his career with both the Rockies and Cardinals, he has earned eight All-Star selections, claimed ten Gold Glove awards for his outstanding defensive skills, and won five Silver Slugger awards recognizing his batting prowess.

Since joining St. Louis, Arenado has maintained a .266 batting average with a .779 OPS, hitting 116 home runs and driving in 415 runs. His contributions helped the Cardinals advance to the postseason in both 2021 and 2022, underscoring his continued value to the club despite recent struggles.

Next Steps for Arenado and the Cardinals

The upcoming rehab stint in Jupiter will be critical for Arenado’s recovery timeline as the Cardinals hope to eventually welcome him back to active play this season. While the team currently faces the challenges of a rebuilding phase, Arenado’s health and performance will be key factors in their plans moving forward. His rehab progress will likely influence both his playing future and the team’s roster decisions in the months ahead.