Cardinals Continue to Fight for Strong Finish in 2025 Season
In the midst of a challenging season, the St. Louis Cardinals are determined to end on a high note. Despite facing setbacks, the team remains resilient and determined to finish strong.
Series Win Over Reds Brings Cardinals Close to .500
After a recent series win against the Cincinnati Reds, the Cardinals are inching closer to a .500 record. With a current record of 68-70, the team is determined to continue their winning streak in their upcoming season opener against the Athletics.
Blow to Bullpen as High-Leverage Reliever Shut Down
Unfortunately, the Cardinals received some bad news on Monday as high-leverage reliever Riley O’Brien has been shut down from throwing due to a right shoulder injury. According to MLB.com’s John Denton, O’Brien’s injury was reported via X (formerly Twitter). This setback will undoubtedly be a challenge for the team as they push towards a strong finish to the season.
Cardinals Look to Overcome Obstacles and Finish Strong
Despite the challenges they have faced, the St. Louis Cardinals remain determined to overcome any obstacles and finish the 2025 season on a high note. With their sights set on a series sweep against the Athletics, the team is determined to push past their current record and end the season on a positive note.
St. Louis Cardinals Continue to Fight for Strong Finish in 2025 Season
The St. Louis Cardinals may not have had the season they hoped for, but they are not giving up. Despite a series win over the Cincinnati Reds, the team is still below .500 with a record of 68-70. However, they have a chance to turn things around as they face the Athletics in their season opener on Monday.
A sweep against the Athletics would bring the Cardinals back above .500, but they have hit a roadblock with the news of high-leverage reliever Riley O’Brien being shut down due to a sore right shoulder. According to MLB.com’s John Denton, O’Brien underwent an MRI and will be out of action until further notice.
“#STLCards RHP Riley O’Brien underwent an MRI on his sore right shoulder this morning and is shut down for the time being until a course of action is set,” reported Denton. “This has been a breakout season for O’Brien, who has been counted on in high-leverage spots and in closing roles.”
While the extent of O’Brien’s injury is still unknown, it is a wise decision to rest him for now. The 30-year-old has been a key player for the Cardinals this season, with a 1.69 ERA, two saves, and six holds in 31 games. The team will now have to rely on other late-inning relievers like JoJo Romero and Kyle Leahy to step up in O’Brien’s absence.
Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images
Since the trade deadline, Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol has been rotating through different relievers in high-pressure situations after former closer Ryan Helsley was traded to the New York Mets. O’Brien was one of those reliable options, with a 1.2 WAR in his 31 appearances.
Romero, on the other hand, has been a consistent presence in the bullpen. The 29-year-old is having a career year with five saves and 20 holds in 55 games. He will likely team up with Leahy to fill the void left by O’Brien’s absence. Leahy, who has 16 holds and a save, will also have a chance to prove himself in the top role in the bullpen.
As the Cardinals aim to finish the season strong and above .500, the question remains: can Romero and Leahy step up and take over the top role in the bullpen? Or will O’Brien return and continue his breakout season in top form? Only time will tell as the Cardinals fight for a strong finish in the 2025 season.
