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Cardinals Announce Lineup Change After Unfortunate Ivan Herrera News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By A. Kazmierczak | Last updated Jun 20, 2025 7:33 PM ET

Following Friday's news of catcher Iván Herrera being placed on the 10-day IL with a hamstring strain, St. Louis Cardinals manager Oli Marmol has made another announcement prior to Friday's pivotal game against the Cincinnati Reds.

After playing both ends of Thursday's doubleheader against the Chicago White Sox, Marmol is giving third baseman Nolan Arenado and first baseman Willson Contreras the night off, Cardinals MLB.com beat writer John Denton has learned.

#STLCards manager Oliver Marmol said Nolan Arenado and Willson Contreras have the night off after playing both ends of a doubleheader on Thursday in Chicago.

Thomas Saggese will start tonight vs. the #Reds — if he makes it to Busch Stadium in time for first pitch, Marmol said.
— John Denton (@JohnDenton555) June 20, 2025

The news comes a day after Arenado became the sixth active player to record 350 career home runs . In Arenado's absence, Nolan Gorman will bat cleanup and play third, while Alec Burleson replaces Contreras at first and hitting third.

Gorman has been on fire this month, slashing .286/.375/.571 with three home runs and eight RBIs in 15 games played. The 25-year-old has made 31 career starts at third base with a .955 fielding percentage.

Burleson has also been swinging a hot bat. In his last 15 games, he's batting .404 with three homes runs and 10 RBIs. He was a combined 4-for-8 in yesterday's doubleheader, with a home run, seven total bases and three RBIs. Burleson has played in 60 career games at first base since making his MLB debut with St. Louis in 2022.

Thomas Saggese, who was recalled from Triple-A Memphis to replace Herrera, is slotted to DH and bat fifth, assuming he makes it to Busch Stadium in time for Friday night's first pitch. Following an MRI, Herrera informed the St. Louis Post Dispatch's Derrick Goold he is expected to miss 2-6 weeks with a Grade II hamstring strain.

First pitch is scheduled for 6:15 p.m. CT.

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

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