Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado. © Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images

Cardinals Announce Reason for Nolan Arenado's Removal From Lineup

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Sep 21, 2025 2:19 PM ET

The St. Louis Cardinals appear set to miss the postseason, entering Sunday with a 75–80 record. The organization is set to undergo change at the top, with Chaim Bloom taking over as president of baseball operations, replacing John Mozeliak. With Bloom trending toward leaning on the team’s youth, the previous era of Cardinals baseball may be coming to an end. Paul Goldschmidt already departed for the New York Yankees in the offseason, and Nolan Arenado may be the team’s next star to leave.

Arenado’s name has surfaced in trade rumors since last offseason, yet he remained with St. Louis and had the worst season of his career—although he was dealing with injury for the majority of it. Over 101 games, the 34-year-old veteran has posted a .236 batting average, .292 on-base percentage, .656 OPS, 10 home runs and 49 RBIs.

Oli Marmol Shares Nolan Arenado Update

With Arenado’s future uncertain, the third baseman was notably absent from the lineup on Sunday against the Milwaukee Brewers, with Nolan Gorman drawing the start instead at the hot corner.

Ahead of the game, the Cardinals announced via manager Oli Marmol that Arenado’s body needed a day off after playing last night, and the team is still determining his availability for Sunday.

Marmol said his body needed a day off, day after night, and they’re still determining what if anything he might do as part of this game today. https://t.co/JqMCGD5lNx
— Jeff Jones (@jmjones) September 21, 2025

Although St. Louis may not have much to play for, Arenado may appear for a pinch-hit opportunity in what could be his final home plate appearance, with many anticipating a move incoming this offseason.

Arenado has had quite the tenure over his past five years in St. Louis. He earned three consecutive All-Star selections to open his tenure from 2021–2023 and helped lead the team to multiple playoff appearances. Although the team never went on a deep postseason run, Arenado brought success to the organization.

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

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