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Cardinals' Nolan Arenado News Emerges After 21 Straight Missed Games

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Aug 25, 2025 7:21 PM ET

The St. Louis Cardinals have been playing shorthanded for the entire month of August, notably without eight-time All-Star third baseman Nolan Arenado.

The 34-year-old veteran has spent the last five seasons of his 13-year career with the Cardinals following an incredible tenure with the Colorado Rockies.

In 2025, Arenado has regressed significantly at the plate, posting a .235 batting average, .294 on-base percentage, .660 OPS, and just 10 home runs across 96 games.

His offensive struggles may be partially attributed to lingering injuries, most notably a right shoulder strain that forced him to the injured list on August 1.

Nolan Arenado Injury Update

Entering Monday, Arenado has missed 21 consecutive games. During that stretch, St. Louis has gone 9–12 and fallen 5.5 games out of a wild card spot, making a postseason berth increasingly unlikely.

Arenado was sent to the Cardinals’ spring training facility in Florida for rehab and has been gradually building up his shoulder to resume baseball activities. Before Monday’s game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, an update surfaced that Arenado has started a hitting program, with a throwing program scheduled to follow later this week.

“Brendan Donovan is hitting off the tee. Victor Scott II is hitting and is hoping to progress to more routes later in the week. Nolan Arenado started a hitting program, will begin a throwing program this week. No timetables for returns for any of the 3,” wrote The Athletic’s Katie Woo.

#STLCards injury updates:

Brendan Donovan is hitting off the tee. Victor Scott II is hitting and is hoping to progress to more routes later in the week. Nolan Arenado started a hitting program, will begin a throwing program this week. No timetables for returns for any of the 3.
— Katie Woo (@katiejwoo) August 25, 2025

Arenado’s Return Could Shape Cardinals’ Franchise Direction

Although St. Louis is likely to miss the postseason, it remains important for both the organization and Arenado that he returns to the field and proves he’s healthy.

Arenado has surfaced in trade rumors, and if the team continues to lean into its youth movement, any offensive production from the veteran would help boost his value.

He’s also been a respected clubhouse leader since arriving in St. Louis, and if the Cardinals manage to stay in the playoff hunt, his presence would be a welcome addition.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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