The St. Louis Cardinals opened the second half of the season with a loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks, and now manager Oliver Marmol is already juggling injuries just days into the stretch run. While Jordan Walker is back from the injured list, the Infielder is now headed there with a back issue, landing on the 10-day IL.
With the second baseman joining Lars Nootbaar on the shelf, the Cardinals are running thin in the outfield. At designated hitter, Gorman’s spot will be filled by Ivan Herrera, who has held his own this season, though it means more pressure on Walker as he returns to the lineup Saturday night.
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Per The Athletic’s Katie Woo, infielder Thomas Saggese has been called up to join the roster as the Cardinals look to recapture their first-half momentum. With the trade deadline approaching, more losses—especially without Gorman—could push the front office to consider dealing more players.
Walker’s return is a boost, but losing Nolan Gorman’s bat is a blow. His power and steady presence in the lineup have been crucial to St. Louis’ offense in 2025. Now, Marmol will have to get creative to keep the offense moving while Gorman is out.
This upcoming stretch could define the Cardinals’ season. Friday’s loss left them just outside the Wild Card race, but a strong showing against Arizona could give them the push they need to stay in playoff contention—and even spark World Series talk.
For now, though, the weight falls on Walker, who will have to carry more of the offensive load without Gorman in the lineup.