The St. Louis Cardinals’ newest lineup delivers a clear message to Paul Goldschmidt.
The St. Louis Cardinals split a doubleheader against the Atlanta Braves in an NL Wild Card matchup on Saturday, with little help from Paul Goldschmidt. The Cardinals’ first baseman has been struggling this season, a critical time for both him and the team. Goldschmidt is in a contract year and has been a key player for this generation of the Cardinals.
Goldschmidt is currently in a slump, going 0 for his last 12 at-bats and not recording a hit since July 13 due to the All-Star Break. His July performance has caused his batting average to drop to .226. According to John Denton, Goldschmidt has only managed two extra-base hits (one home run, one double) with runners in scoring position this season, hitting just .169 with two home runs and 21 RBI. He has been batting in both the second and fourth spots in the lineup. Curt Bishop of Redbird Rants suggested on Saturday that it was time for another change:
“The 36-year-old is striking out too much, especially in crucial moments. So, it’s time for the Cardinals to move Goldschmidt out of the No. 4 spot again…like everyone else, I want to see him producing as he can. He may never return to his MVP form, but he can still deliver in clutch situations when he’s in the right mindset,” Bishop wrote.
It seems the Cardinals took note. On Sunday, they unveiled a new lineup with Goldschmidt batting seventh.
New St. Louis Cardinals lineup after Paul Goldschmidt move
Manager Oli Marmol and the Cardinals are hoping that shifting Goldschmidt down in the lineup will send a message and potentially rejuvenate his performance. St. Louis needs to focus on giving more opportunities to their hotter hitters, like Winn and Burleson.
|
St. Louis Cardinals lineup |
Position |
|---|---|
|
Masyn Winn |
Shortstop |
|
Alec Burleson |
Designated Hitter |
|
Willson Contreras |
Catcher |
|
Brendan Donovan |
Left Fielder |
|
Nolan Arenado |
Third Baseman |
|
Lars Nootbaar |
Right Fielder |
|
Paul Goldschmidt |
First Baseman |
|
Nolan Gorman |
Second Baseman |
|
Michael Siani |
Center Fielder |
The Cardinals are currently five games behind the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Central and only one game ahead of the Pittsburgh Pirates for third place. The NL Wild Card race is also tightening after Saturday’s games, with the New York Mets and Arizona Diamondbacks tied for the third spot, just half a game ahead of the Pirates.
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