Cardinals receive negative update on Nolan Arenado with return date further delayed

Nolan Arenado and the St. Louis Cardinals are not enjoying the most fruitful regular season thus far. With Arenado placed on the injured list (IL), and the rest of the roster struggling to find form, securing a postseason spot seems increasingly elusive for the Cardinals, leaving their fan base with tempered expectations.

Leading up to the trade deadline, the Cardinals were actively entertaining offers for Arenado from several major league giants. The New York Yankees emerged as a prominent suitor, having previously expressed interest in Arenado before the start of the current season.

With Arenado remaining in St. Louis, he was placed on the IL initially for what was expected to be a brief 10-day stint at first. However, recent reports indicate setbacks in his recovery process, delaying his anticipated return to the lineup.

At first, he was expected to be back with the Cardinals in mid August, according to John Denton of MLB.com. “Nolan Arenado’s path back to MLB and the Cardinals will take him through Jupiter, Fla., where the 10-time Gold Glover will work to strengthen his shoulder and regain his swing rhythm the next 10 days before likely rejoining the team in Miami on Aug. 18,“ Denton said.

Negative report for the Cardinals about Arenado

Denton clarified that Arenado is aiming to make his comeback further than August 18th, and he would be taking longer to be back to the roster. “Nolan Arenado reported to the Cardinals Spring HQ in Jupiter, Fla., on Friday to begin what is expected to be nine to 10 days of shoulder strengthening before resuming baseball activities,” Denton said. “He is not expected to be ready by STL’s series in Miami Aug. 18-20, Oli Marmol said.”

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Arenado’s impact on the Cardinals’ season

Though Arenado has been absent from the Cardinals lineup since the first week of August, his performance before stepping away left an indelible mark. Arenado’s impressive statistics were pivotal in bolstering the Cardinals’ postseason aspirations. However, the remainder of the team has struggled to deliver similar decisive play throughout the regular season.

Through 96 games and 361 at-bats, Arenado has tallied 43 runs and 85 hits. His contributions include 10 home runs and 43 RBIs, underscoring his value with a 1.0 WAR. His on-base percentage stands at .294, coupled with a .366 slugging percentage, supported by 28 walks. Though he has struck out 28 times, Arenado maintains a .235 batting average, a testament to his offensive prowess.

In his absence, the Cardinals are striving to make a notable impact as the regular season comes to a close. As they aim for a postseason berth, opportunities dwindle, yet they remain on the cusp of securing third place in the National League Central standings.