Cardinals' Reason for Unexpected Lineup Change Before Rays Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Aug 22, 2025 6:27 PM ET

The St. Louis Cardinals have fallen further out of playoff contention, hampered by a wave of injuries to key players.

All-Stars Nolan Arenado, Willson Contreras, and Brendan Donovan have all missed time in August, contributing to the team’s current 64–65 record and a four-game deficit in the National League wild card race. With time to gain ground quickly running out, the pressure is mounting.

In the absence of his star teammates, Alec Burleson has emerged as a legitimate left-handed power threat in his fourth season with St. Louis.

The 26-year-old has been a versatile asset for manager Oli Marmol, slotting in at both first base and left field when needed. Over 117 games, Burleson has posted a .285 batting average, .337 on-base percentage, and .786 OPS—all career highs.

Alec Burleson Injury News

Ahead of Friday’s matchup with the Tampa Bay Rays, Burleson was unexpectedly scratched from the lineup moments before first pitch. An update later confirmed that Burleson experienced right wrist discomfort following an aw kward swing during Thursday’s win leading to his removal.

“#STLCards LF Alec Burleson has been scratched from tonight’s starting lineup because of right wrist discomfort. He injured his wrist on an awkward swing in Thursday’s win. Rookie Nathan Church starts in CF and Lars Nootbaar moves to LF,” reported MLB.com’s John Denton.

#STLCards LF Alec Burleson has been scratched from tonight’s starting lineup because of right wrist discomfort. He injured his wrist on an awkward swing in Thursday’s win.

Rookie Nathan Church starts in CF and Lars Nootbaar moves to LF.
— John Denton (@JohnDenton555) August 22, 2025

Cardinals Outlook With Burleson Sidelined

If Burleson misses extended time, Nootbaar would likely take over in left field, continuing to provide left-handed offensive production, while rookie Nathan Church could see increased opportunities in center.

This setback comes at a difficult time for St. Louis, whose organizational depth has been severely tested in the second half of the season.

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

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