Miles Mikolas has been a rollercoaster this season, flashing strong form but often slipping in big moments. His latest outing allowed five earned in three innings against the Dodgers, a sharp contrast to a two-start stretch where he yielded just two runs in 11 innings, including a Padres shutout on July 25. The Cardinals, still rebuilding after the trade deadline, sit five-and-a-half games out of a wild-card spot as questions mount about the rotation’s future and Mikolas’ 2025 value as his contract nears its end.

Into the mix steps Quinn Matthews, Saint Louis’ top-tier pitching prospect, who has been dominant at Memphis with four straight scoreless starts and a 72:62 strikeout-to-inning ratio across 15 Triple-A turns. Major control is holding him back (50 walks in 67 minor league innings), but the 24-year-old southpaw’s stuff is intriguing enough that a promotion could be on the horizon if Mikolas falters again. The club’s weekend slate versus the Cubs is pivotal, with veteran Yadier Molina back in the fold to offer guidance and a potential clubhouse spark as the team weighs whether to ride Mikolas or pivot the rotation ahead of a Monday date with Colorado and a possible Sunday tilt with the Yankees.

With the Cards on the fringe of playoff contention and a new baseball ops era, every move carries fantasy weight. For Mikolas owners, the looming decision to stick or bench him may hinge on Matthews’ readiness and the schedule, while for Matthews stashing him could pay dividends if he pushes into a rotation slot soon. Molina’s presence could help stabilize the back end of the season, amplifying upside for Cardinals stacks and bullpen arms in favorable matchups.

Yadier Molina is set to return to the St. Louis Cardinals this weekend, donning a uniform for the first time since his illustrious playing career ended in 2022. The 43-year-old former catcher will assist as a coach during the team's games against the Chicago Cubs, providing valuable mentorship to young players.

Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol expressed excitement about Molina's presence, noting how beneficial it is for the team, especially the catchers. Molina, who has taken on a coaching role as a special assistant since December 2023, looks forward to helping the team improve, citing their potential despite a challenging season.

As he prepares for a future coaching career, Molina plans to manage Puerto Rico in the upcoming World Baseball Classic and is committed to mentoring the next generation of players in St. Louis.

Yadier Molina, the iconic former catcher of the St. Louis Cardinals, makes a special return this weekend to coach the team during their matchup against the Chicago Cubs. At 43, Molina brings invaluable experience and leadership after retiring from MLB in 2022, having spent 19 seasons with the Cardinals.

Manager Oli Marmol expressed enthusiasm about Molina's presence, emphasizing the impact he can have on the younger players. As the Cardinals strive for a postseason push, currently sitting at .500 and chasing a wild-card spot, Molina's insights and guidance could prove crucial in their efforts to turn the season around.

Tensions escalated last week in Philadelphia as MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred engaged the Phillies in their annual meeting. Though the contentious topic of a "salary cap" was notably absent from discussions, Bryce Harper's confrontation with Manfred encapsulated the frustration brewing among players over the league's economic policies. The implications of this standoff could significantly affect future Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations, leading to speculation about the potential for a lockout.

Meanwhile, the Cleveland Guardians find themselves embroiled in a serious sports betting investigation, with star closer Emmanuel Clase placed on the restricted list. He is not alone; teammate Luis Ortiz is also under scrutiny. As details emerge, the fallout from this investigation could impact both players significantly and the Guardians' performance as they approach the crucial MLB Trade Deadline.

The baseball world mourns the loss of Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg, who passed away at 65 after battling cancer. Sandberg, a Cubs legend and ten-time All-Star, leaves behind a legacy that shaped the game. Additionally, the impending MLB Trade Deadline creates an atmosphere of urgency as teams scramble to make strategic moves.

Cal Raleigh has emerged as a phenomenal dual-threat catcher for the Seattle Mariners, captivating even the legendary Johnny Bench. With 26 home runs before June 15, Raleigh is on track to break the record for homers by a catcher in the first half of the season. Bench, who once set the standard for catchers, praises Raleigh's impressive hitting and game-calling abilities, comparing him to Hall of Famers like Mike Piazza and Yadier Molina. Bench believes Raleigh possesses the confidence and determination that set great players apart. As he aims for postseason success with the Mariners, Raleigh shows promise as not just a hitter, but a leader in the clubhouse.