photo: Willson Contreras (USA TODAY Sports)
The last-place St. Louis Cardinals won two of three over visiting Washington coming out of the break. Catchers Willson Contreras and Ivan Herrera have been leading the offense. Our history feature on underperforming Cards teams looks back at the 70-92 squad from 1990.
Game Recaps
Monday, July 10, 2023 – All-Star Break
The Home Run Derby was held Monday evening in Seattle. The Cardinals had no participants in the event, won by Vladimir Guerrero Jr. of Toronto.
Tuesday, July 11, 2023 – All-Star Game, National League 3 at American League 2
Nolan Arenado, starting at third base for the National League, was the only Cardinal selected to the 2023 All-Star Game.
The National League won for the first time since 2012.
Arenado hit fifth in the lineup, going 0-for-2 with no walks or strikeouts. He did make several successful plays in the field.
Wednesday, July 12, 2023 and Thursday, July 13, 2023 – Off days (All-Star Break)
Friday, July 14, 2023 – Cardinals vs. Nationals (suspended)
The first game of the series between the Cardinals and Nationals at Busch Stadium was suspended in the third inning due to rain with the Cardinals leading 1-0.
Saturday, July 15, 2023 – Cardinals 5, Nationals 7 (Game 1, completion of suspended game)
The Cardinals fell to the Nationals in an afternoon contest to complete the suspended game from Friday. Starter Miles Mikolas pitched three scoreless innings before the rain came on Friday. The right hander allowed no hits and struck out two.
When the game resumed on Saturday, Andre Pallante surrendered the narrow lead with three runs allowed in 1 1/3 innings. Chris Stratton relinquished one unearned run in 1 2/3 innings. JoJo Romero threw 1 1/3 scoreless frames.
The back end of the pen didn’t get the job done. Giovanny Gallegos allowed one run in 2/3 of an inning. Jordan Hicks gave up two runs, one earned, in the final two innings to take the loss.
On Friday, the Cardinals went up 1-0 in the first inning on a solo home run by Lars Nootbaar. In the fourth inning, the Nationals tied the game at 1-1, then added three runs in the fifth.
In the home fifth, the Cardinals scored three to tie the game. Paul DeJong doubled, and Dylan Carlson was hit by a pitch. Brendan Donovan then blasted a three-run home run.
Washington scored one in the top of the eighth to break the tie. The Cardinals quickly reinstated the deadlock in the bottom of the eighth on a solo home run by Willson Contreras.
The game went into the 10th when the Nationals scored two to lead 7-5. St. Louis was unable to answer.
Contreras was 2-for-4 with an RBI. DeJong was 2-for-4. Donovan drove in three.
Contreras made two errors, one on a pickoff and a throwing error. Nolan Arenado also had a throwing error.
Saturday, July 15, 2023 – Cardinals 9, Nationals 6 (Game 2)
The Cardinals rebounded to win the second game of the day. Starter Steven Matz pitched 4 1/3 innings, gave up four runs on four hits, struck out four and walked three.
Dakota Hudson threw 3 1/3 scoreless innings of relief to earn his first win of 2023. Genesis Cabrera surrendered two runs in the final 1 1/3 innings.
The Cardinals put up four runs in the second inning. Alec Burleson thumped a solo home run. Nolan Gorman singled. Ivan Herrera was hit by a pitch. Brendan Donovan tripled to score Gorman and Herrera. Paul Goldschmidt tripled to plate Donovan.
The Nationals scored two runs in the third to cut the lead in half, then added single runs in the fourth and fifth to tie it at 4-4.
In the home half fifth, St. Louis put up three runs recapture the lead, 7-4. Jordan Walker singled and Burleson singled. Walker and Burleson scored on a Gorman double. Paul DeJong singled to score Gorman.
The Cardinals added a ninth and final run in the eighth on a solo long ball from Nolan Arenado. Washington scored two in the top of the ninth for the final score of 9-6.
Gorman was 2-for-4 with two RBI and two runs scored. Burleson was 3-for-4 with an RBI. Arenado was 2-for-3 with two RBI. Goldschmidt was 2-for-5 with an RBI. Lars Nootbaar was 2-for-5. Herrera was 3-for-3. Donovan had two RBI.
Sunday, July 16, 2023 – Cardinals 8, Nationals 4
The Cardinals defeated the Nationals on Sunday to take the three-game series at Busch Stadium. Starter Jack Flaherty pitched six innings, gave up three runs on three hits, struck out seven and walked three to earn his seventh win of the season.
Chris Stratton relieved Flaherty and threw a scoreless inning. Kyle Leahy surrendered one run in 1/3 of an inning. JoJo Romero tossed the final 1 2/3 scoreless frames.
The Nationals took the lead 1-0 in the second inning. The Cardinals scored three in the fourth to jump ahead 3-1. Nolan Gorman and Paul DeJong singled. Gorman came home on a single by Andrew Knizner. Brendan Donovan plated DeJong on a single. Lars Nootbaar singled and Knizner scored.
St. Louis made it 4-1 in the fifth on a solo home run by Gorman. Washington scored two in the top of the sixth to cut the lead to 4-3.
In the home sixth, St. Louis piled on with four runs to increase the lead to 8-3. Donovan walked and Paul Goldschmidt hit a two-run home run. Nootbaar walked and Jordan Walker doubled. Nootbaar scored on a ground out by Alec Burleson. Gorman singled to score Walker.
The Nationals added one more run in the eighth.
Gorman was 3-for-5 with two RBI and two runs scored. Goldschmidt was 2-for-4 with two RBI. Donovan was 2-for-4 with an RBI. DeJong was 2-for-4.
The Big Picture
The Cardinals ended the short week with a record of 2-1 against the Nationals. They remain in last place in the NL Central, 11.5 games back of the Brewers and one game back of the fourth place Pirates.
Winning 2 of 3 from a bad Nationals team doesn’t prove much, though there is some momentum there if they can turn it into a decent showing against a good Marlins team to begin the week.
The issue with pitching remains, although the starters have improved somewhat while the bullpen has gotten worse. Two of the newest additions to the bullpen, Dakota Hudson and JoJo Romero, have pitched well. Stalwart and soon to be free agent Chris Stratton has also performed to expectations.
On the other hand, Andre Pallante has regressed to an ERA in double digits over the last two weeks. Genesis Cabrera and Giovanny Gallegos performed poorly in the Nationals series along with Pallante. Jordan Hicks had a bad appearance as well, though his overall performance has been fine. Kyle Leahy has also struggled in his brief major league career in the bullpen.
As for starters, the most recent weak spot, Matthew Liberatore, has been returned to Memphis. Steven Matz is back in the rotation for now. Adam Wainwright remains on the IL.
With the trade deadline rapidly approaching, the rotation is likely to look much different in August. Both Flaherty and Montgomery are rumored to be on the trade block. They will be free agents at the end of the season, and neither seems a strong possibility to re-sign with the Cardinals.
The offense has been good on the other hand. Previously struggling Nolan Gorman has recently showed signs of life. The top offensive performers post All-Star Break are Ivan Herrera (2.000 OPS), Willson Contreras (1.750), Brendan Donovan (1.262), Alec Burleson (1.222), Nolan Gorman (1.077), Paul Goldschmidt (1.015), Lars Nootbaar (.938), and Paul DeJong (.917).
At the bottom are Jordan Walker (.385) and Dylan Carlson (.400).
The defense has improved a little in the last three games. The baserunning has also improved.
What the team will look like after the Trade Deadline is anyone’s guess. President of Baseball Operations’ John Mozeliak has publicly stated that players will be traded with an eye on strengthening the 2024 roster. The only current players who are believed to be staying for sure are Paul Goldschmidt, Nolan Arenado, Lars Nootbaar and Jordan Walker, according to multiple media sources.
The Cardinals begin the week with a three-game series against the Marlins and end the week with a four-game set with the Cubs at Wrigley Field.
NL Central Standings
| Team | W | L | PCT | GB |
| Milwaukee | 52 | 42 | 0.553 | |
| Cincinnati | 50 | 44 | 0.532 | 2 |
| Chicago | 43 | 49 | 0.467 | 8 |
| Pittsburgh | 41 | 52 | 0.441 | 10.5 |
| St. Louis | 40 | 53 | 0.430 | 11.5 |
Trade and Acquisition Rumors
The trade deadline is just two weeks away, and the rumors are starting with regard to the Cardinals. Derrick Goold of the Post-Dispatch reported that the Cardinals have some interest in Mariners’ pitcher Logan Gilbert. There has been no indication that Seattle is prepared to trade Gilbert, however. The 26-year-old hurler has a 3.75 ERA in 74 career starts. Gilbert has potentially four years of club control should the Cardinals acquire him.
He should be considered an example of the kind of player the Cardinals would hope to acquire.
In a wide ranging interview this past week with Martin Kilcoyne, Cards President of Baseball Ops John Mozeliak spoke of disappointment, fan discontent and noted there will be trades just ahead, but ones that better prepare the team for 2024.
“The Kilcoyne Conversation” with John Mozeliak. #StlCards President of Baseball Operations on mistakes made, Marmol’s future, looking to 2024, fan frustration and anger directed at him.
🤜🏼Scoops website: https://t.co/g9A92jfZKI
— Martin Kilcoyne (@martinkilcoyne2) July 12, 2023
Transactions
- 7/15 The Cardinals recalled RHP James Naile from the Memphis Redbirds (27th man, doubleheader)
- 7/16 The Cardinals optioned RHP James Naile to the Memphis Redbirds.
- 7/16 The Cardinals optioned 1B Luken Baker to the Memphis Redbirds.
- 7/16 The Cardinals activated C Andrew Knizner from the 10-day injured list.
The Cardinals are now carrying three catchers, with manager Oliver Marmol stating that rookie Ivan Herrera will now serve as the primary reserve behind Willson Contreras, with Knizner also contributing.
Monday morning update
More on this move and accompanying transaction(s) once confirmed this afternoon.
New in St. Louis this morning: The Cardinals are designating left-handed reliever Génesis Cabrera for assignment. Cabrera has been with the team since 2019. A surprising move given his presumed trade interest, though he can still be traded within 7 days of being DFA’d. #STLCards
— Katie Woo (@katiejwoo) July 17, 2023
Injury Report
- RHP Wilking Rodriguez (right shoulder strain) remains on the 60-day injured list, out for the season with shoulder surgery.
- LHP Packy Naughton (left forearm strain) was transferred from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day injured list on May 17. Naughton underwent season ending surgery on June 26.
- LF Tyler O’Neill (low back strain). The outfielder has been out since May 5 with low back pain. O’Neill has been on a rehab assignment with Memphis but could return on Tuesday. He is batting .231 with no home runs in eight Triple-A games.
- RHP Ryan Helsley went on the 15-day injured list retroactive to June 10. Right forearm strain. Helsley felt tightness in his right forearm on June 11 and was sent for an MRI. The MRI revealed a tendon strain. Helsley has begun a throwing program and is still several weeks away from a return.
- RHP Jake Woodford was placed on the 15-day injured list on June 30. Right shoulder strain. Woodford felt pain in his shoulder after pitching in the game on Thursday, June 29. The timing of Woodford’s return is unknown.
- RHP Drew VerHagen (right hip impingement) was placed on the 15-day injured list on July 2. VerHagen missed much of the 2022 season with the same injury and had surgery on the hip in August of 2022. The right hander received a cortisone shot and ceased baseball activities for a period. VerHagen is expected to be out until at least July 24 if not longer.
- RHP Adam Wainwright was placed on the 15-day injured list on July 5 with a right shoulder strain. Wainwright received an injection in his shoulder. The right hander is scheduled to throw off a mound on Tuesday, the first step to an eventual return to the roster.
- C Andrew Knizner was activated from the injured list and started Sunday’s game behind the plate.
- INF/OF Tommy Edman was placed on the 10-day injured list on July 4 with a right wrist injury. Tests showed no structural damage. Edman received an injection in his wrist and will be out an indeterminate number of days.
- LHP Jordan Montgomery is set to make his next start on Tuesday against the Marlins. Montgomery exited his last start with a hamstring injury, but the injury turned out to be minor and did not require a placement on the injured list.
Looking Ahead
Following the Nationals series, the Cardinals continue the homestand with a three-game series with the Marlins. Miles Mikolas will start on Monday, followed by Jordan Montgomery on Tuesday. Wednesday afternoon’s starter has not yet been named.
Another road trip after the homestand begins with four games against the Cubs at Wrigley and three in Phoenix with the Diamondbacks.
The Cardinals then return home for four with the Cubs to end July.
August begins with a six game homestand versus the Twins and the Rockies. The team then travels to Florida for three at the Tampa Bay Rays.
The road trip ends with a two-game series in Kansas City versus the Royals.
Blast from the Past
The 2023 Cardinals have had one of their worst starts to a season in 50 years. St. Louis has been one of the most consistent franchises in terms of winning seasons over the history of major league baseball. Nevertheless, St. Louis had had periods of underperforming.
This week’s Blast from the Past is the fifth installment in the series showcasing the worst seasons in the franchise’s long history.
The current Cardinals are 40-53 with a win percentage of .430. This week we look at the 1990 Cardinals, which finished with a record of 70-92 and a win percentage of .432.
The 1990 St Louis Cardinals were owned by Gussie Busch. The General Manager was Dal Maxvill.
This team had three managers during the season. The first was Whitey Herzog, who had been in the role for a decade, but he resigned in frustration on July 6. He stated in his letter, “I came here in last place and I leave here in last place.”
Herzog was replaced on an interim basis of 24 games by Red Schoendienst. The Cardinals hired Joe Torre to manage the team for the rest of the season.
The 1990 team finished in last place in the NL East, 25 games back of the Pittsburgh Pirates and seven games behind the next to the last team, the Phillies.
The primary starters that season were C Todd Zeile, 1B Pedro Guerrero, 2B Jose Oquendo, SS Ozzie Smith, 3B Terry Pendleton, LF Vince Coleman, CF Willie McGee, and RF Milt Thompson.
The top offensive player that season was Willie McGee, who slashed .335/.382/.437 with three home runs and 62 RBI. The home run leader was Zeile, with 15 long balls.
The rotation consisted of Joe Magrane, Jose DeLeon, John Tudor, Bob Tewksbury, Bryn Smith, and Ken Hill. Tudor had the best ERA, at 2.40. The best FIP belonged to Tewksbury (3.12).
The 1990 Cardinals spent five days in first place early, with last day April 16. They were over .500 for two days in April, the last time on April 13. Their longest winning streak was four games and their longest losing streak was seven games at the end of the season.
The 1990 Cardinals had 26 comeback wins and 40 blown leads. Walk off win count was six and walk off losses was five. They were shut out 15 times and shut out opponents 13 times.
The 1990 team had a winning record against just two teams, the Cubs and the Padres. They were 6-6 against the Astros.
The 1990 Cardinals met their Pythagorean Expectation of 70-92.
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