Cardinals' Nolan Arenado placed on injured list amid shoulder issue

The St. Louis Cardinals made a few moves at the trade deadline, all of which involved trading relievers on expiring deals. But, there were some others who were involved in trade talks, including Nolan Arenado.

However, he wasn't dealt and remained in St. Louis. But, the next day, as Katie Woo of The Athletic reports, the Cardinals are losing Arenado to the injured list with a shoulder issue. He'll go on the 10-day injured list, as Nolan Gorman is activated in his place.

This season, at age 34, Arenado hasn't been at his best. Through 96 games this season, Arenado is batting .235 with a .660 OPS, the worst in his big-league career. 

His struggles offensively haven't affected his fielding, as he's a solid fielder still. But this placement on the injured list comes after a rough stretch for Arenado, who was hitting .138 in his last eight games.

The veteran hasn't been at his best, but losing him for some time this season still stings. With only a few years left on his $275 million deal, the Cardinals' 10-time Gold Glove third baseman might not be around for much longer.

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Amid the trade rumors, his struggles this season, and now this injury, the Cardinals veteran is potentially nearing the end of his career. With the Cardinals selling multiple relievers, including Ryan Helsley, this season is not one to contend in.

Letting Arenado get healthy for a 2026 postseason run might be the plan going forward, especially if the shoulder issue continues to nag Arenado.

With his placement on the injured list, St. Louis is replacing one Nolan with another, as Gorman is being activated off the injured list and will look to bounce back after his struggles this season. 

Gorman is hitting .219 this season, but his .718 OPS is not his career-worst. He's under team control through 2028, and at 25 years old, is a part of the Cardinals' future. If he can turn his season around, he could be securing a spot on the roster for the future.

But, in the short term, the Cardinals are losing Arenado for a portion of the season and are getting Gorman back in the lineup to kick off the final two months of the season for the Cardinals, barring the team sneaking into the postseason.

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