Cardinals Announce Nolan Arenado Update in Midst of Nationals Series

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By True Deck | Last updated Jul 9, 2025 6:52 PM ET

St. Louis Cardinals fans are relieved that Nolan Arenado is back in the starting lineup for Game 2 against the Washington Nationals.

Arenado, 34, was out of the lineup for three games over four days after being a last-minute scratch on Saturday against the Chicago Cubs. The injury ended up being a right shoulder impingement.

Yesterday, Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol told reporters that Arenado is feeling better and the team hopes to avoid placing him on the 10-day injured list. However, his status remained uncertain, with more clarity expected Wednesday, according to The Athletic’s Katie Woo.

The Cardinals managed to defeat the Nationals in Game 1 of the series despite the absence of Arenado.

With the five-year Cardinal back in the lineup, Nolan Gorman has been replaced at third base. Arenado will bat 5th in the order. Yohel Pozo gets the start at designated hitter — with Pedro Pagés starting at catcher — on Wednesday night at Busch Stadium.

Pagés has been a consistent starter for the Cardinals this season with 71 games played. He's batting .213 with 25 RBI and some fans aren't particularly happy with Marmol's judgement.

Arenado returns, Pozo starts at DH against lefty MacKenzie Gore

1. Donovan 4
2. Winn 6
3. Contreras 3
4. Burleson 9
5. Arenado 5
6. Pozo DH
7. Nootbaar 7
8. Pagés 2
9. Scott II
SP: Pallante
— Katie Woo (@katiejwoo) July 9, 2025

"THERE IS NO REASON FOR PAGES TO PLAY EVERYDAY," one X user wrote. He then replied to his own tweet with, "Why would anyone, as a fan, want to consistently watch Pages, Mikolas, and Fedde??? It's crazy they keep doing this."

Another user wrote, "Soooo no backup catcher tonight? This seems like a ballsy move. If Pages gets hurt, Pozo goes to catcher BUT you lose the DH right? Wow that is a choice."

With Nolan Arenado back in the lineup, the Cardinals get a much-needed boost as they continue their series against the Nationals. While fans are encouraged by Arenado’s return, lineup decisions — particularly the ongoing use of Pedro Pagés — continue to stir frustration among some in the fanbase. As the team battles through key injuries and a tight NL Central race, every roster move will be under the microscope.

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

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