After a brief absence due to a right shoulder impingement, Nolan Arenado returns to the St. Louis Cardinals lineup just in time for Game 2 against the Washington Nationals, providing a much-needed boost for the team. His presence is critical as the Cardinals look to maintain momentum after winning Game 1 without him. Manager Oliver Marmol confirmed that Arenado is feeling better and the team is eager to avoid a lengthy stint on the injured list. Interestingly, his return means the young Nolan Gorman will shift from third base to the bench.

However, not all decisions are received positively; the ongoing selection of Pedro Pagés as the starting catcher has drawn ire from some fans. Despite Pagés's consistent play this season, his batting average of .213 and the lack of a backup catcher for Game 2 raise concerns about the team's depth. As the Cardinals navigate injuries and a competitive NL Central, every lineup move is scrutinized by an increasingly vocal fanbase.

The Dodgers continue to struggle with their pitching staff, highlighted by a 5-0 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals. Justin Wrobleski, making only his second start of the season, surrendered four runs over six innings, contributing to the Dodgers' fourth loss in six games. Meanwhile, the offense has faltered, managing to score just one run in their last two outings. Despite leading the majors in runs, their batting average has sunk below .220.

Sonny Gray dominated the Dodgers' lineup, earning his seventh win of the season. The Dodgers stranded numerous runners, going 1-for-13 with runners in scoring position. The pressure mounts as injuries pile up and the team grapples with their identity heading into the season's second half.

On May 5, 2025, Miles Mikolas and Pedro Pagés of the St. Louis Cardinals made history against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Mikolas allowed Oneil Cruz to reach base via a hit by pitch, only to witness Cruz's impressive stealing streak come to an abrupt halt. Pagés successfully gunned down Cruz, who had previously stolen 34 bases in a row. This marked Cruz's first caught stealing since April 2024, showcasing Pagés' improved defensive capabilities this season with a caught stealing percentage of 31.6%.

In that game, the Cardinals triumphed over the Pirates 6-3, with Pagés contributing significantly by going 2-for-3 at the plate. Mikolas pitched five innings, allowing three runs and earning a no-decision. This performance is indicative of how crucial both players are to the Cardinals' success in 2025, as Pagés continues to solidify his role as a reliable catcher.

St. Louis Cardinals catcher Ivan Herrera has been placed on the 10-day injured list due to a bone bruise in his left knee, sidelining him for approximately four weeks. Herrera, who was enjoying a stellar start to his first full season with a .381 batting average, four home runs, and 11 RBIs in just seven games, sustained the injury during a doubleheader against the Boston Red Sox. He was unable to put weight on his leg after running the bases, leading to concerns over a more severe injury.

In his absence, Pedro Pages is expected to take over the majority of the catching duties, while Yohel Pozo has been recalled from Triple-A Memphis and will join the starting lineup for the Cardinals' upcoming game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol expressed relief that Herrera's tests returned negative and indicated that the injury could have been much worse, potentially involving an ACL tear.

Victor Scott II of the St. Louis Cardinals is on a path to potentially becoming a top fantasy hitter by 2025. After a rocky start last season, Scott has exhibited strong hitting, boasting a .348 average with a home run and four stolen bases. Alongside veterans like Nolan Arenado and Lars Nootbaar, he is emerging as a notable fantasy asset. Comparatively, Brice Turang of the Milwaukee Brewers impressed with 50 stolen bases last season, emphasizing the importance of speed in roto leagues.

As for Rafael Devers of the Boston Red Sox, there are concerns about his performance since transitioning to a full-time DH role, particularly with a high strikeout rate. Meanwhile, Bo Bichette of the Toronto Blue Jays shows signs of a rebirth after a challenging season, hinting at a return to his .300 batting average with potential power. Players like Nick Kurtz of the Athletics are also expected to make a quick MLB debut, while Jurickson Profar's recent suspension raises questions about his future productivity.

Ultimately, the fantasy landscape is ever-changing, with emerging talents and veterans alike affecting team strategies. Managers must remain vigilant as they navigate the season.