The St. Louis Cardinals will open up the NL Wild Card Series on Friday against either the Philadelphia Phillies or the San Diego Padres.
Regardless of their opponent, some fans were a little bit concerned due to the fact that the Cards’ only two runs came on Albert Pujols’ 703rd career home run.
The bats were quiet from then on.
On Twitter, Katie Woo, the Cardinals beat writer for The Athletic, did her best to calm any panicked fans down about the offense, assuring them that despite a lackluster performance last night, the lineup they bust out on Friday against either the Phillies or the Padres will be completely different.
The last thing I will say tonight in my attempt to soothe your concerns:
I hear you about the offense (which scored 18 runs over the weekend, but I digress)
The lineup you're seeing in Pittsburgh will not be the same lineup you see on Friday.
Good night.
— Katie Woo (@katiejwoo) October 4, 2022
Cards Insider Calms Concerns
To be fair, the Cardinals didn’t roll out their best lineup last night.
There’s really no reason to until Friday, given that they’ve already clinched the NL Central.
Tommy Edman, Nolan Arenado, and Yadier Molina were all getting the night off.
Cardinals fans can expect to see some of their regulars get a break from the lineup over the next few days.
The team has already secured its spot in the postseason and will be opening up the postseason at home on Friday.
There isn’t any need to burn the regulars when there isn’t anything left to play for in the regular season.
The Cards’ offense has been a strength for much of the season.
They’re third in the National League in runs scored with 761 behind the Atlanta Braves and the Los Angeles Dodgers.
By Friday, they’ll have all their guys rested and ready to compete in the postseason.
There’s no reason to be concerned right now if you’re a Cardinals fan.
Breathe easy, St. Louis!
NEXT: Albert Pujols Refuses To Stop Hitting Historic Home Runs
