Cardinals prepare for critical matchup as Burleson and Contreras return to fortify wild-card ambitions
Alec Burleson made a triumphant return to the St. Louis Cardinals lineup last night, marking his comeback with a home run after a stint on the injured list due to a right wrist injury. The excitement doesn’t end there; Willson Contreras, the team’s other power-hitting first baseman, is set to rejoin the squad today after serving his four-game suspension.
Contreras’ Suspension Background
Contreras’ suspension stemmed from an incident on August 25th against the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he engaged in a heated exchange with umpires and tossed gum onto the field. Initially handed a six-game suspension, it was later reduced to four games, allowing him to return just in time for a crucial stretch in the season. Together, Burleson and Contreras have combined for 37 home runs, making their return a significant boost for a team desperate for offensive firepower.
Wild-Card Race Heating Up
The timing of their returns could not be more critical. The Cardinals are in a tight race for the National League wild-card spot. Following a series of unfortunate losses for rivals Cincinnati and New York yesterday, the Cardinals found themselves with an opportunity to close the gap. However, a loss of their own means they still sit 4 ½ games back of the final wild-card position with just 17 games remaining.
To keep their postseason aspirations alive, the Cardinals will need to summon every ounce of determination as they face a gauntlet of playoff-caliber teams. After wrapping up their series in Seattle, they will hit the road to take on the Milwaukee Brewers, the best team in MLB, with whom they will clash six times in their final 17 games.
Challenging Schedule Ahead
St. Louis’ path to the playoffs is daunting, with the toughest remaining strength of schedule in the league at .556. Alongside the Brewers, the Cardinals will also face formidable opponents such as the Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds, and San Francisco Giants.
While a late-season surge may seem like a tall order, the Cardinals remain hopeful. They have the opportunity to directly challenge their wild-card rivals in head-to-head matchups, and with key players returning, they aim to keep their postseason dreams alive. The next few weeks will undoubtedly test their mettle, but the return of Burleson and Contreras provides a much-needed spark in their quest for a playoff berth.
