The St. Louis Cardinals face a depth test as Nolan Arenado, Willson Contreras, and Brendan Donovan are sidelined by injuries, leaving a playoff push stretched thin at 61–62. Offense has struggled, scoring just 15 runs over the last six games, including a home shutout against Colorado. With Contreras hobbling after a pitch hit to the foot, the team is weighing a quick return, potentially Sunday or Saturday as a pinch-hitter, while Contreras has shifted to first base this season to stay in the lineup.

Contreras is hitting .255 with a .787 OPS, 16 homers and 65 RBIs across 114 games, continuing to be a clubhouse voice even as he recovers. The Cardinals’ three injured stars underscore the need for reinforcements and smarter utilization of the depth chart as they remain in the postseason chase. They’ll head into a three-game set with the New York Yankees, hoping Contreras can return soon to stabilize the lineup and lift the offense when it matters most.