The Cardinals' recent performance against the Cubs has been a rollercoaster, to say the least. After a disappointing first inning, the team's fortunes took a turn for the worse in the fourth, with Edward Cabrera's outing proving to be a major setback. Cabrera's lack of swing-and-miss stuff was concerning, but it was his control issues that truly frustrated the team. He walked three batters, the last with the bases loaded, a stark contrast to his previous two rehab starts where he only allowed one walk combined. This performance raises questions about Cabrera's readiness for the big leagues.
The situation didn't improve when Ryan Rolison entered the game, as he couldn't stop the bleeding. He gave up a two-run double to Alec Burleson and a two-run home run to Jordan Walker, marking the first time since July 7 that Rolison had allowed more than one run in an appearance. This blip in his performance could be a cause for concern, especially given the team's need for reliable pitching.
The game took another turn when Dansby Swanson, who had been in obvious pain after his first swing, left the game with left side discomfort. Initial suspicions point towards an oblique injury, a notoriously tricky injury to heal with a consistent timeline. The history of oblique injuries with Seiya Suzuki, who missed six weeks in 2023 and four weeks in 2024, serves as a cautionary tale. With six weeks left in the regular season, the team's medical staff will need to act swiftly and effectively to ensure Swanson's recovery.
Despite these setbacks, the Cardinals found some solace in the performance of Pete Crow-Armstrong. He hit a two-run home run, pulling it 408-feet to right field, which briefly put the team ahead. This performance earned him the Ankin Law: "Making it Personal" Player of the Game. Miguel Amaya also contributed, hitting a home run in the 9th, his second in his last four starts.
As the series shifts to a showdown with the White Sox, the Cardinals will need to forget this stinker of a weekend and regroup. The team's recent struggles, including injuries and inconsistent pitching, have been a cause for concern. However, with a series win or sweep of the White Sox, they can turn their fortunes around and focus on the crucial stretch run of the season. The upcoming games will be a test of the team's resilience and ability to bounce back from adversity.
