Cardinals fans can breathe a collective sigh of relief: Nolan Arenado is back in the starting lineup. The star third baseman returned for Game 2 of the series against the Washington Nationals after a brief absence due to a right shoulder impingement.
Arenado, a key player for St. Louis, was scratched from the lineup at the last minute against the Chicago Cubs, causing him to miss three games out of four. The shoulder issue raised concerns about a potential stint on the injured list, but fortunately, it appears he's avoided that fate.
Manager Oliver Marmol had previously stated that Arenado was improving, and the team was hopeful he could avoid the 10-day injured list. His return to the lineup is a significant boost for the Cardinals, particularly as they navigate a challenging season.
In Arenado's absence, Nolan Gorman filled in at third base. With Arenado's return, Gorman moved out of the starting lineup. The team's lineup for the game at Busch Stadium also featured Yohel Pozo as the designated hitter, and Pedro Pagés behind the plate as the starting catcher. Arenado was slotted to bat fifth in the batting order.
While Arenado's return is undoubtedly positive news, some of Marmol's lineup choices are drawing criticism from a segment of the Cardinals fanbase. Specifically, the regular appearances of Pedro Pagés at catcher have become a point of contention.
Pagés has been a consistent presence for the Cardinals this season, appearing in 71 games. He currently holds a .213 batting average with 25 RBIs. Despite his consistent playing time, some fans are expressing their dissatisfaction with his performance and questioning the manager's decision to play him so frequently.
One fan on X (formerly Twitter) voiced their frustration, questioning the rationale behind consistently playing Pagés, along with other players. The sentiment reflects a broader unease among some fans who are eager to see different players get opportunities.
Another fan raised concerns about the team's backup catcher situation for the game. With Pagés starting, the fan wondered about the contingency plan should Pagés get injured during the game. The hypothetical scenario involved Pozo potentially moving to catcher, which would then eliminate the designated hitter position, highlighting the potential risk associated with the lineup configuration.
The Cardinals managed to secure a victory against the Nationals in Game 1, even without Arenado in the lineup. However, having a player of Arenado's caliber back in the fold significantly strengthens their chances as they continue the series.
The Cardinals are currently facing a season with key injuries impacting the team. The competition within the NL Central division is also fierce, adding pressure to every game and roster decision. As a result, every lineup choice and strategic move made by Marmol and the coaching staff is being closely scrutinized by fans and analysts alike.
The return of Nolan Arenado provides a sense of stability and optimism for the Cardinals. His presence not only improves the team's offensive and defensive capabilities but also provides a veteran presence in the clubhouse. However, the ongoing debate surrounding other lineup decisions underscores the challenges of managing a team with high expectations and a passionate fanbase. As the season progresses, the Cardinals will need to find the right balance between utilizing their existing talent and making strategic adjustments to maximize their chances of success in a competitive division.
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