Reds vs. Cardinals: Pitching preview, prediction, and more

Cardinals seek reinforcements wherever they can find them.

When St. Louis acquired third baseman Nolan Arenado from the Colorado Rockies over the winter for not much more than a song, I’m sure they didn’t anticipate struggling to remain over .500 as September approaches, but that’s the song their singing. Unfortunately for Redbird Nation, injuries have taken a major toll on this club.

Four of the five hurlers projected to open the season in the St. Louis rotation have spent time on the IL this season. Yet, miraculously, only 40-year-old right-hander Adam Wainwright has managed to avoid the shelf.

How bad has it been for the Redbirds? The following trio has all started games this season. Wade LeBlanc, Jon Lester, and J.A. Happ. More on Lester and Happ shortly. Needless to say, pitching coach Mike Maddux has been forced to play the role of a magician.

However, injuries have not been limited to the rotation alone. Key bullpen pieces such as Jordan Hicks and Andrew Miller have missed time. Neither will be available to manager Mike Schildt as the calendar turns to September.

Yet, not everything can be blamed on injuries. Half of the Redbirds’ everyday lineup has been below average at the plate. The quartet of Harrison Bader, Paul DeJong, Tommy Edman, and Yadier Molina have posted an OPS+ mark below the 100 league average.

One of the fatal flaws for the St. Louis offense this season has been their inability to draw free passes. As a result, their 392 bases on balls ranked 13th in the senior circuit as play began yesterday. Only first baseman Paul Goldschmidt and outfielders Dylan Carlson and Tyler O’Neill have an OBP above the .318 league average.