ST. LOUIS – After a period of rest due to physical problems, Nolan Arenado – the pillar of the Cardinals offense – has officially returned to the starting lineup in the match on the evening of July 9 against the Washington Nationals at Busch Stadium, bringing with him the hope of reviving the team amid a challenging series of matches.
The Cardinals have just announced their starting lineup on official platforms, with Arenado playing at No. 5 and taking on the familiar 3B role, where he has made his mark with classy defense and game-winning clutch hits.
Arenado’s return is considered a dose of mental adrenaline for the Cardinals lineup, especially when the team is trying to maintain its position in the fierce postseason race. Coach Oliver Marmol confirmed before the match:
“We have been monitoring Nolan’s recovery very closely. He is physically and mentally ready to step out and lead his teammates.”
In addition to Arenado, the lineup also attracted attention when Victor Scott II continued to play at CF, Lars Nootbaar played at LF, and Willson Contreras took on the starting role. Andre Pallante will be the one to throw the opening pitch.
The match against the Nationals is not just a normal battle, but also a test of the depth of the force and the resilience of an unstable Cardinals. With the return of Arenado – who has 8 Gold Gloves and 5 Silver Sluggers, the expectations placed on the Cardinals skyrocketed overnight.
CARDINALS LINEUP FOR JULY 9
2B: Brendan Donovan
SS: Masyn Winn
C: Willson Contreras
RF: Alec Burleson
3B: Nolan Arenado
DH: Yohel Pozo
LF: Lars Nootbaar
C: Pedro Pagés
CF: Victor Scott II
P: Andre Pallante
The Iron Bird Returns, Are the Cardinals Ready to Take Off?
In the baseball-filled atmosphere at Busch Stadium, the return of Nolan Arenado is a promise. A Cardinals team cannot be without its quiet captain – and if everything goes according to plan, victory will not be out of reach.