Nolan Arenado set for action
ST. LOUIS (AP) — The St. Louis Cardinals welcomed back Nolan Arenado to their lineup on Wednesday night as they faced the Washington Nationals. The star third baseman returned after missing three straight games with a right shoulder impingement, an issue that has bothered him intermittently over the past week.
Arenado’s shoulder problems first flared when he jammed it while collecting his 1,900th career hit against the Cleveland Guardians. That milestone was quickly overshadowed by his time on the bench, as the Cardinals have had to juggle their infield without his steady presence at third base.
The 34-year-old has long been considered one of baseball’s premier defenders and a reliable run producer. Over 13 seasons, he has built a résumé that includes 10 Gold Gloves, eight All-Star selections, and multiple seasons leading the National League in home runs and RBIs.
This season, however, has been difficult. Arenado entered Wednesday hitting just .248 with 10 home runs and 41 RBIs in 81 games—numbers well below his career averages. His return is significant for a Cardinals team that has been inconsistent and is trying to stay in the playoff picture.
With his leadership and experience, St. Louis hopes Arenado can regain his rhythm at the plate and anchor the defense as they push through the second half of the season.
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