St. Louis, MO — The St. Louis Cardinals remain without one of their cornerstone players, as third baseman Nolan Arenado continues to work his way back from a right shoulder strain. Arenado was placed on the 10-day injured list on August 1, 2025, and has yet to return to the field, leaving the Cardinals to adjust their lineup during a crucial stretch of the season.
The veteran slugger has begun light hitting drills at the team’s spring training complex in Jupiter, Florida, where he is also scheduled to ramp up to a throwing program in the coming days. While the progress is encouraging, the Cardinals have not provided a specific timetable for his return, opting to monitor his workload carefully to avoid setbacks.
Arenado’s absence has been felt not only at the plate but also defensively. The 10-time Gold Glove winner is regarded as one of the best third basemen in the game, and without his presence, the Cardinals’ infield defense and lineup depth have been tested. This season, before the injury, Arenado was hitting .235 with 10 home runs and 43 RBIs, though the numbers represent a dip from his career norms.
Team officials remain cautious, emphasizing long-term health over a rushed comeback. Initial hopes that Arenado might rejoin the lineup by mid-August did not materialize, and the organization appears prepared to give him as much time as needed to ensure his shoulder is fully healed. With the Cardinals fighting to stay competitive, however, fans are eager for updates on when their star might return.
For now, Arenado continues his rehab process in Florida, with the club and its supporters anxiously awaiting his next step. Until then, the Cardinals will lean on younger players and veteran utility men to fill the void, hoping that Arenado can make a late-season return and provide a boost both at the plate and in the field.
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