The St. Louis Cardinals have been struggling offensively throughout August as they push to remain competitive in the National League wild card race, partly due to the absence of their star third baseman, Nolan Arenado. The 34-year-old veteran has been sidelined since August 1, dealing with persistent right shoulder irritation that forced him to stop playing regularly.
Diagnosed with a right shoulder strain, Arenado is rehabilitating at the Cardinals’ spring training facility in Florida, steadily working to resume baseball activities. His shoulder discomfort appears to have impacted his performance this season, as reflected in his career-low statistics with a .235 batting average and a .660 OPS across 96 games.
Signs of Progress Toward Return
On Tuesday, Arenado shared encouraging news about his recovery, revealing plans to start swinging the bat by Friday and begin a throwing regimen the following week. Though he has not set a specific date for his return to the major league lineup, he remains optimistic about being back in action before the season concludes.
“Pain is going down, definitely getting there.” —Nolan Arenado
This update suggests Arenado is moving closer to full health, with his shoulder issues gradually improving as he intensifies his rehab efforts in Florida.
Challenges for the Cardinals on the Horizon
While Arenado’s comeback is positive news, the Cardinals face a difficult decision regarding how quickly to reintegrate him into the roster. The team currently sits five games behind a playoff spot and holds an 11–18 record in the second half of the season, making it uncertain whether pushing Arenado back too soon is worth the risk of worsening his injury.
Given the slim chances of postseason qualification at this stage, cautious management of Arenado’s recovery could prevent further setbacks and safeguard his long-term health.
The Legacy of Nolan Arenado
Arenado has enjoyed an impressive 13-year career with the Colorado Rockies and the Cardinals, earning eight All-Star selections alongside ten Gold Glove Awards and five Silver Slugger Awards. His peak years from 2015 to 2018 saw him lead the National League in home runs three times and <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/baseball/mlb/”>MLB in RBIs in consecutive seasons.
His experience and talent remain key assets for the Cardinals as they navigate the challenges of this season and consider their future roster decisions.