The Cardinals: Fighting for a Wildcard Spot
The race for the wildcard spot in the MLB playoffs is heating up, and the St. Louis Cardinals are right in the thick of it. With just a few weeks left in the regular season, every game counts for the Cardinals as they fight for a chance to make it to the postseason.
Currently sitting in third place in the National League Central division, the Cardinals have a record of 76-69. While they may be trailing the division-leading Chicago Cubs, they are only two games behind the second-place Milwaukee Brewers and just one game behind the second wildcard spot.
But the Cardinals are not letting their position discourage them. In fact, they have been on a hot streak lately, winning seven of their last ten games. This surge in performance has given them a fighting chance in the wildcard race.
One of the key players driving the Cardinals’ success is first baseman Paul Goldschmidt. With a batting average of .260 and 29 home runs this season, Goldschmidt has been a consistent force in the Cardinals’ lineup. And with the support of players like shortstop Paul DeJong and outfielder Marcell Ozuna, the Cardinals
St. Louis Cardinals Outfielder Lars Nootbaar Exits Game with Rib Discomfort, Team Optimistic for Quick Return
In a concerning turn of events, St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Lars Nootbaar was forced to leave Thursday’s game against the Washington Nationals in the seventh inning due to rib discomfort. This news has caused worry among fans, but the Cardinals have quickly addressed the situation.
According to manager Oli Marmol, Nootbaar felt soreness in his rib cage during the game and was removed as a precaution to avoid further aggravation. The team is optimistic that he will be ready to return to the lineup as early as Friday.
Nootbaar, who is currently in his fifth season with the Cardinals, has worked his way up from an eighth-round draft pick in 2018 to become a strong contributor in the outfield. His breakout season came in 2023, when he hit .261 with 14 home runs and 46 RBIs, showcasing both power and on-base ability.
Despite his overall numbers being down compared to past seasons, Nootbaar has already hit 12 home runs and driven in 37 runs through 86 games in 2025. At this pace, he is on track to set new career highs in both categories by the end of the season.
The 27-year-old still has two years of team control left through arbitration and is not eligible for free agency until 2028. This gives the Cardinals flexibility with his future, especially if he bounces back at the plate in the second half of the season.
With the Cardinals currently sitting at 50-44, just one game back of a National League Wild Card spot and 5.5 games behind the division-leading Cubs, every game is crucial. The team has already been hit with injuries to key players such as Ivan Herrera, Jordan Walker, and Nolan Gorman throughout the year, and losing another starter, even briefly, would be a blow.
Nootbaar’s return to full strength will be critical for the Cardinals as they aim to stay in the playoff picture. His ability to get on base, work counts, and deliver clutch hits gives the lineup balance, especially in a tight division race.
For now, it appears that Nootbaar has avoided any serious injury, but the Cardinals will continue to monitor him closely. Fans can expect to see him back on the field soon, barring any setbacks.
The Cardinals will host the Atlanta Braves this weekend before the All-Star break, and Nootbaar’s presence in the lineup will be crucial for the team’s success.
