2023 St. Louis Cardinals season explained

St. Louis Cardinals
Season:2023
League:National League
Division:Central
Ballpark:Busch Stadium
City:St. Louis, Missouri
Divisional Place:5th
Owners:William DeWitt Jr.
Managers:Oliver Marmol
Television:Bally Sports Midwest
(Chip Caray, Jim Edmonds, Brad Thompson)
Radio:KMOX NewsRadio 1120
St. Louis Cardinals Radio Network
(John Rooney, Rick Horton, Mike Claiborne)
Espntn:stl
Brtn:STL

The 2023 St. Louis Cardinals season was the 142nd season for the St. Louis Cardinals, a Major League Baseball franchise in St. Louis, Missouri. It was the 132nd season for the Cardinals in the National League and their 18th at Busch Stadium III. They entered the season as the defending NL Central champions.

Their 82nd loss on September 15 (65–82) guaranteed their first losing season since 2007 (78–84), after 16 consecutive winning seasons and only their third losing season since 1999 (75–86).[1]

After their 89th loss on September 27, they secured their first last-place finish since 1990 (70–92), with the Pittsburgh Pirates finishing above them in fourth place.

Previous season

The Cardinals finished the 2022 season 93–69, to win the National League Central division title for the first time since 2019. They lost in the Wild Card round to the Philadelphia Phillies. The season also marked the final season for Cardinal legends Albert Pujols and Yadier Molina as both had announced their retirements prior to the season beginning.

Offseason

Rule changes

Pursuant to the CBA, new rule changes will be in place for the 2023 season:[2]

Regular season

Opening Day

Opening Day starting lineup
Player
Batters
33 2B
21 LF
46 1B
28
40
27
16
18 RF
19
Starting pitcher
39
References: [3]

Summary

April

The Cardinals won the opening series of the season, winning two out of three from the Toronto Blue Jays. However, the Cardinals went on to only win one more series against the Colorado Rockies, and they were swept twice by the Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Dodgers. On April 4, drama ensued as outfielder Tyler O'Neill was thrown out by Ronald Acuña Jr. at home in a 4–1 loss to Atlanta. After the game, manager Oliver Marmol sharply criticized O'Neill's perceived lack of effort while rounding third base, calling it "unacceptable."[4] Following the public criticism, it was considered that O'Neill might have been trying to avoid injury, as he had dealt with two hamstring injuries in 2022 and at the time of the incident it was drizzling.[5] O'Neill criticized Marmol subtlety, telling media that he did not need to take the issue public and it could have been dealt with behind closed doors.[6] As punishment, Marmol benched O'Neill for the following game.[7]

Highly touted rookie Jordan Walker started his career off with a twelve game hit streak, which tied an MLB record for the longest by a player age 20 or younger to begin his career.[8] Following the end of his hit streak against the Pirates on April 13, Walker cooled down at the plate and with his subpar defensive ability in his new outfield position, he was optioned back to AAA Memphis on April 26.[9]

May

To start May, the Cardinals were swept at home by the Los Angeles Angels followed by dropping a series against the Detroit Tigers. Following the back-to-back series losses to start the month, the Cardinals announced that first-year catcher Willson Contreras would be removed from the catching role and be exclusively used as a designated hitter.[10] The reason given for this move was to allow Contreras to communicate with the pitching staff and figure out how to work better together.

The Cardinals then started a successful run of baseball, where they won a series against the rival Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field, followed by a three-game sweep of the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Following the sweep of the Red Sox, the Cardinals announced that Contreras would return to catching duties to start the upcoming home stand.[11] They then returned home to win back to back series, starting with a three-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers and then a four-game series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

To finish the month, the Cardinals cooled off with a split of a four-game series against the Reds in Cincinnati, followed by dropping a three-game series against the Cleveland Guardians, which was also the Cardinals' first series loss since May 6. The Cardinals ended the month by splitting a two-game series with the Kansas City Royals at home, which involved a Game One loss where Royals pitchers Josh Staumont and Mike Mayers took a perfect game into the 8th inning before being broken up by a Nolan Arenado single.[12]

June

In June, the Cardinals dropped their first four series, which included falling victim to sweeps by the Pittsburgh Pirates on the road and the San Francisco Giants at home. During this stretch, 2022 All-Star closer Ryan Helsley was also placed on the 15-Day IL with a right forearm strain on June 12,[13] which was followed with the decision to assign Jordan Hicks the closer role. Hicks was one of the few bright spots of the team in June, earning 5 saves in the second half of the month which involved earning saves on three straight days against the New York Mets and Washington Nationals and hitting 104.3 miles per hour.[14] These saves were also the first earned by Hicks since he earned 14 in the 2019 season.[15]

The Cardinals also played the Chicago Cubs in the 2023 London Series as the home team, which involved a two-game series split where the Cubs took game one by a score of 9–1 that involved outfielder Ian Happ hitting two home runs off of starter Adam Wainwright,[16] followed by the Cardinals winning game two by a score of 7–5.[17]

July

The Cardinals won two of three series before the All-Star Break, in which Nolan Arenado was the sole Cardinal All-Star selection, starting at third base for the National League.[18] Coming out of the All-Star Break, the Cardinals pulled off a six-game win streak which included a sweep of the Miami Marlins at home, their best win streak of the season, before fading at the end of the month and losing the final two of three series of July, both to the Chicago Cubs.

A positive turn for the Cardinals in the month of July however as they fell further out of contention was starting pitcher Steven Matz, who had started the season with a 0–7 record and an ERA around five. In July however Matz found his stride, as he went 5.1 innings scoreless against the Chicago White Sox on July 9 before the All-Star Break. Matz then picked up his first win of the season on July 20 against the Chicago Cubs after going 5.0 innings and surrendering one earned run. Matz followed that start with two consecutive quality starts, going 6.0 innings scoreless against both the Arizona Diamondbacks and Chicago Cubs again, picking up his second win of the year in the start against Chicago. Matz finished the month of July with a 2–0 record and a 2.17 ERA in 29.0 IP in the month.[19]

September

On September 18, Adam Wainwright, 42, pitching at home against the division-leading Milwaukee Brewers, won his 200th game, 1-0, pitching seven scoreless innings, giving up only four hits, walking two, striking out three. His 2,202 career strikeouts make him the 66th pitcher to have at least 2,200 strikeouts. His 200 wins make him the 122nd pitcher in baseball history to reach that milestone. His 200 wins, all with the Cardinals, rank him third in the team's history, joining Bob Gibson (251) and Jesse Haines (210).[20]

At home on September 29, Wainwright batted for the first time since October 6, 2021. In the sixth inning with the team trailing 14-2, he pinch-hit for designated hitter Luken Baker. On the second pitch, he grounded out sharply to second base. It was his only at-bat that night. Over his career, he has 10 home runs, 75 RBIs, and a .193 batting average. He has five seasons batting over .200.[21]

In his final game and the team for the season on October 1, Wainwright struck out swinging in the eighth inning, with the team leading 4-3, the final score. Wainwright was 0-for-2 for the season.[22]

Game Log

|- style="background:#fbb;" | 1 || March 30 || Blue Jays || 9–10 || García (1–0) || Helsley (0–1) || Romano (1) || 47,649 || 0–1 || L1|- style="background:#bfb;" | 2 || April 1 || Blue Jays || 4–1 || Flaherty (1–0) || Gausman (0–1) || Helsley (1) || 44,461 || 1–1 || W1|- style="background:#bfb;" | 3 || April 2 || Blue Jays || 9–4 || Montgomery (1–0) || Bassitt (0–1) || — || 45,525 || 2–1 || W2|- style="background:#fbb;" | 4 || April 3 || Braves || 4–8 || Morton (1–0) || Woodford (0–1) || — || 37,689 || 2–2 || L1|- style="background:#fbb;"| 5 || April 4 || Braves || 1–4 || Dodd (1–0) || Matz (0–1) || Minter (1) || 36,501 || 2–3 || L2|- style="background:#fbb;"| 6 || April 5 || Braves || 2–5 || Elder (1–0) || Mikolas (0–1) || Chavez (1) || 36,300 || 2–4 || L3|- style="background:#fbb;"| 7 || April 7 || @ Brewers || 0–4 || Woodruff (1–0) || Flaherty (1–1) || — || 28,459 || 2–5 || L4|- style="background:#bfb;" | 8 || April 8 || @ Brewers || 6–0 || Montgomery (2–0) || Lauer (1–1) || — || 43,077 || 3–5 || W1|- style="background:#fbb;"| 9 || April 9 || @ Brewers || 1–6 || Peralta (2–0) || Woodford (0–2) || — || 27,701 || 3–6 || L1|- style="background:#fbb;" | 10 || April 10 || @ Rockies || 4–7 || Márquez (2–1) || Matz (0–2) || — || 24,092 || 3–7 || L2|- style="background:#bfb;" | 11 || April 11 || @ Rockies || 9–6 || Gallegos (1–0) || Johnson (0–1) || Helsley (2) || 25,399 || 4–7 || W1|- style="background:#bfb;" | 12 || April 12 || @ Rockies || 7–4 || Pallante (1–0) || Lawrence (0–1) || Helsley (3) || 22,250 || 5–7 || W2|- style="background:#fbb;" | 13 || April 13 || Pirates || 0–5 || Velasquez (1–0) || Montgomery (2–1) || — || 37,805 || 5–8 || L1|- style="background:#bfb;" | 14 || April 14 || Pirates || 3–0 || Thompson (1–0) || Oviedo (1–1) || Gallegos (1) || 40,637 || 6–8 || W1|- style="background:#fbb;" | 15 || April 15 || Pirates || 3–6 || Bednar (2–0) || Hicks (0–1) || Moreta (1) || 40,042 || 6–9 || L1|- style="background:#bfb;" | 16 || April 16 || Pirates || 5–4 || VerHagen (1–0) || Crowe (0–1) || — || 40,346 || 7–9 || W1|- style="background:#fbb;" | 17 || April 17 || Diamondbacks || 3–6 || Kelly (1–2) || Flaherty (1–2) || Chafin (3) || 36,405 || 7–10 || L1|- style="background:#fbb;" | 18 || April 18 || Diamondbacks || 7–8 || Nelson (3–0) || Montgomery (2–2) || Castro (1) || 36,028 || 7–11 || L2|- style="background:#bfb;" | 19 || April 19 || Diamondbacks || 14–5 || Woodford (1–2) || Bumgarner (0–3) || — || 39,068 || 8–11 || W1|- style="background:#fbb;" | 20 || April 21 || @ Mariners || 2–5 || Kirby (2–1) || Matz (0–3) || Sewald (5) || 29,633 || 8–12 || L1|- style="background:#fbb;" | 21 || April 22 || @ Mariners || 4–5 || Brash (2–2) || Thompson (1–1) || Sewald (6) || 38,732 || 8–13 || L2|- style="background:#bfb;" | 22 || April 23 || @ Mariners || 7–3 || Flaherty (2–2) || Flexen (0–4) || — || 36,249 || 9–13 || W1|- style="background:#fbb;" | 23 || April 24 || @ Giants || 0–4 || Cobb (1–1) || Montgomery (2–3) || — || 20,203 || 9–14 || L1|- style="background:#fbb;" | 24 || April 25 || @ Giants || 4–5 || Hjelle (1–0) || Helsley (0–2) || — || 20,797 || 9–15 || L2|- style="background:#fbb;" | 25 || April 26 || @ Giants || 3–7 || DeSclafani (2–1) || Hicks (0–2) || Doval (3) || 21,748 || 9–16 || L3|- style="background:#bfb;" | 26 || April 27 || @ Giants || 6–0 || Mikolas (1–1) || Webb (1–5) || — || 23,397 || 10–16 || W1|- style="background:#fbb;" | 27 || April 28 || @ Dodgers || 3–7 || May (3–1) || Flaherty (2–3) || — || 48,138 || 10–17 || L1|- style="background:#fbb;" | 28 || April 29 || @ Dodgers || 0–1 || Kershaw (5–1) || Montgomery (2–4) || Graterol (2) || 48,763 || 10–18 || L2|- style="background:#fbb;" | 29 || April 30 || @ Dodgers || 3–6 || Syndergaard (1–3) || Thompson (1–2) || Phillips (3) || 52,304 || 10–19 || L3|- |- style="background:#fbb;"| 30 || May 2 || Angels || 1–5 || Sandoval (3–1) || Matz (0–4) || — || 37,048 || 10–20 || L4|- style="background:#fbb;" | 31 || May 3 || Angels || 4–6 || Tepera (2–1) || Gallegos (1–1) || Estévez (7) || 42,148 || 10–21 || L5|- style="background:#fbb;" | 32 || May 4 || Angels || 7–11 || Canning (2–0) || Flaherty (2–4) || — || 40,508 || 10–22 || L6|- style="background:#fbb;" | 33 || May 5 || Tigers || 4–5 || Boyd (2–2) || Hicks (0–3) || Lange (6) || 36,359 || 10–23 || L7|- style="background:#fbb;" | 34 || May 6 || Tigers || 5–6 || Cisnero (2–0) || Gallegos (1–2) || — || 39,512 || 10–24 || L8|- style="background:#bfb;" | 35 || May 7 || Tigers || 12–6 || VerHagen (2–0) || Englert (1–2) || — || 44,465 || 11–24 || W1|- style="background:#bfb;" | 36 || May 8 || @ Cubs || 3–1 || Cabrera (1–0) || Stroman (2–3) || Helsley (4) || 30,937 || 12–24 || W2|- style="background:#bfb;" | 37 || May 9 || @ Cubs || 6–4 || Stratton (1–0) || Assad (0–2) || Gallegos (2) || 32,693 || 13–24 || W3|- style="background:#fbb;" | 38 || May 10 || @ Cubs || 4–10 || Steele (6–0) || Montgomery (2–5) || — || 36,413 || 13–25 || L1|- style="background:#bfb;" | 39 || May 12 || @ Red Sox || 8–6 || Helsley (1–2) || Jansen (1–1) || — || 34,553 || 14–25 || W1|- style="background:#bfb;" | 40 || May 13 || @ Red Sox || 4–3 || Pallante (2–0) || Jansen (1–2) || Gallegos (3) || 35,935 || 15–25 || W2|- style="background:#bfb;" | 41 || May 14 || @ Red Sox || 9–1 || Mikolas (2–1) || Kluber (2–5) || — || 27,732 || 16–25 || W3|- style="background:#bfb;" | 42 || May 15 || Brewers || 18–1 || Flaherty (3–4) || Peralta (4–3) || — || 34,548 || 17–25 || W4|- style="background:#fbb;" | 43 || May 16 || Brewers || 2–3 || Payamps (2–0) || Montgomery (2–6) || Williams (6) || 34,655 || 17–26 || L1|- style="background:#bfb;" | 44 || May 17 || Brewers || 3–0 || Liberatore (1–0) || Burnes (4–3) || Helsley (5) || 35,433 || 18–26 || W1|- style="background:#bfb;" | 45 || May 18 || Dodgers || 16–8 || Wainwright (1–0) || Urías (5–4) || — || 36,982 || 19–26 || W2|- style="background:#fbb;" | 46 || May 19 || Dodgers || 0–5 || Gonsolin (2–1) || Matz (0–5) || — || 44,774 || 19–27 || L1|- style="background:#bfb;" | 47 || May 20 || Dodgers || 6–5 || Helsley (2–2) || González (1–1) || Gallegos (4) || 45,177 || 20–27 || W1|- style="background:#bfb;" | 48 || May 21 || Dodgers || 10–5 || VerHagen (3–0) || Kershaw (6–4) || — || 44,721 || 21–27 || W2|- style="background:#fbb;" | 49 || May 22 || @ Reds || 5–6 || Gibaut (4–1) || Helsley (2–3) || — || 9,194 || 21–28 || L1|- style="background:#bfb;" | 50 || May 23 || @ Reds || 8–5 || Wainwright (2–0) || Ashcraft (2–3) || Helsley (6) || 14,159 || 22–28 || W1|- style="background:#fbb;" | 51 || May 24 || @ Reds || 3–10 || Lively (2–2) || Matz (0–6) || — || 12,626 || 22–29 || L1|- style="background:#bfb;" | 52 || May 25 || @ Reds || 2–1 || Mikolas (3–1) || Sims (1–1) || Gallegos (5) || 15,978 || 23–29 || W1|- style="background:#fbb;" | 53 || May 26 || @ Guardians || 3–4 || Bieber (4–3) || Liberatore (1–1) || Clase (17) || 31,303 || 23–30 || L1|- style="background:#bfb;" | 54 || May 27 || @ Guardians || 2–1 || Helsley (3–3) || Sandlin (2–2) || Gallegos (6) || 32,224 || 24–30 || W1|- style="background:#fbb;" | 55 || May 28 || @ Guardians || 3–4 || Curry (1–0) || Helsley (3–4) || — || 27,398 || 24–31 || L1|- style="background:#fbb;" | 56 || May 29 || Royals || 0–7 || Mayers (1–0) || Wainwright (2–1) || — || 45,911 || 24–32 || L2|- style="background:#bfb;" | 57 || May 30 || Royals || 2–1 || Mikolas (4–1) || Hernández (0–2) || Gallegos (7) || 38,406 || 25–32 || W1|- |- style="background:#fbb;" | 58 || June 2 || @ Pirates || 5–7 || Ramírez (1–0) || Gallegos (1–3) || Bednar (11) || 24,388 || 25–33 || L1|- style="background:#fbb;" | 59 || June 3 || @ Pirates || 3–4 || Moreta (3–1) || Montgomery (2–7) || Bednar (12) || 29,161 || 25–34 || L2|- style="background:#fbb;" | 60 || June 4 || @ Pirates || 1–2 || Hill (5–5) || Mikolas (4–2) || Bednar (13) || 22,947 || 25–35 || L3|- style="background:#fbb;" | 61 || June 5 || @ Rangers || 3–4 || Smith (1–2) || Cabrera (1–1) || — || 25,161 || 25–36 || L4|- style="background:#fbb;" | 62 || June 6 || @ Rangers || 4–6 || Dunning (5–1) || Liberatore (1–2) || Smith (11) || 28,151 || 25–37 || L5|- style="background:#bfb;" | 63 || June 7 || @ Rangers || 1–0 || Hicks (1–3) || Gray (6–2) || Helsley (7) || 30,251 || 26–37 || W1|- style="background:#bfb;" | 64 || June 9 || Reds || 7–4 || Montgomery (3–7) || Lively (3–4) || Gallegos (8) || 43,238 || 27–37 || W2|- style="background:#fbb;" | 65 || June 10 || Reds || 4–8 || Abbott (2–0) || Mikolas (4–3) || — || 45,246 || 27–38 || L1|- style="background:#fbb;" | 66 || June 11 || Reds || 3–4 || Gibaut (6–1) || Hicks (1–4) || Díaz (15) || 42,445 || 27–39 || L2|- style="background:#fbb;" | 67 || June 12 || Giants || 3–4 || Webb (5–6) || Stratton (1–1) || Doval (17) || 40,886 || 27–40 || L3|- style="background:#fbb;" | 68 || June 13 || Giants || 3–11 || Jackson (1–0) || Flaherty (3–5) || Winn (1) || 40,917 || 27–41 || L4|- style="background:#fbb;" | 69 || June 14 || Giants || 5–8 || Rogers (1–4) || Matz (0–7) || Doval (18) || 39,165 || 27–42 || L5|- style="background:#fbb;" | 70 || June 16 || @ Mets || 1–6 || Megill (6–4) || Mikolas (4–4) || — || 33,948 || 27–43 || L6|- style="background:#bfb;" | 71 || June 17 || @ Mets || 5–3 || Wainwright (3–1) || Senga (6–4) || Hicks (1) || 39,143 || 28–43 || W1|- style="background:#bfb;" | 72 || June 18 || @ Mets || 8–7 || VerHagen (4–0) || Ottavino (0–3) || Hicks (2) || 43,110 || 29–43 || W2|- style="background:#bfb;" | 73 || June 19 || @ Nationals || 8–6 || Flaherty (4–5) || Gray (4–6) || Hicks (3) || 19,997 || 30–43 || W3|- style="background:#bfb;" | 74 || June 20 || @ Nationals || 9–3 || Montgomery (4–7) || Gore (3–6) || — || 22,223 || 31–43 || W4|- style="background:#fbb;" | 75 || June 21 || @ Nationals || 0–3 || Williams (4–4) || Mikolas (4–5) || Harvey (4) || 16,191 || 31–44 || L1|- style="background:#fbb;" | 76 || June 24 || Cubs || 1–9 || Steele (8–2) || Wainwright (3–2) || — || 54,662 || 31–45 || L2|- style="background:#bfb;" | 77 || June 25 || Cubs || 7–5 || Woodford (2–2) || Stroman (9–5) || Hicks (4) || 55,565 || 32–45 || W1|- style="background:#bfb;" | 78 || June 27 || Astros || 4–2 || Montgomery (5–7) || Valdez (7–6) || Hicks (5) || 41,512 || 33–45 || W2|- style="background:#fbb;" | 79 || June 28 || Astros || 7–10 || Martinez (2–3) || Gallegos (1–4) || Pressly (15) || 41,452 || 33–46 || L1|- style="background:#fbb;"| 80 || June 29 || Astros || 0–14 || France (3–3) || Wainwright (3–3) || — || 42,504 || 33–47 || L2|- style="background:#bbb;" | — || June 30 || Yankees || colspan=7| Postponed (inclement weather); Makeup: July 1|-|colspan=11||- |- style="background:#bfb;" | 81 || July 1 || Yankees || 11–4 || Flaherty (5–5) || Severino (1–3) || — || 44,237 || 34–47 || W1|- style="background:#fbb;" | 82 || July 1 || Yankees || 2–6 || King (2–4) || Liberatore (1–3) || — || 44,846 || 34–48 || L1|- style="background:#bfb;" | 83 || July 2 || Yankees || 5–1 || Montgomery (6–7) || Cole (8–2) || — || 44,676 || 35–48 || W1|- style="background:#fbb;" | 84 || July 3 || @ Marlins || 4–5 || Brazobán (3–1) || Pallante (2–1) || Puk (14) || 19,638 || 35–49 || L1|- style="background:#fbb;" | 85 || July 4 || @ Marlins || 2–15 || Luzardo (7–5) || Wainwright (3–4) || — || 16,437 || 35–50 || L2|- style="background:#fbb;" | 86 || July 5 || @ Marlins || 9–10 || Puk (4–2) || Hicks (1–5) || — || 9,911 || 35–51 || L3|- style="background:#bfb;" | 87 || July 6 || @ Marlins || 3–0 || Flaherty (6–5) || Pérez (5–3) || Hicks (6) || 8,763 || 36–51 || W1|- style="background:#fbb;" | 88 || July 7 || @ White Sox || 7–8 || Middleton (2–0) || Leahy (0–1) || Graveman (7) || 27,569 || 36–52 || L1|- style="background:#bfb;" | 89 || July 8 || @ White Sox || 3–0 || Mikolas (5–5) || Toussaint (0–2) || Hicks (7) || 26,560 || 37–52 || W1|- style="background:#bfb;" | 90 || July 9 || @ White Sox || 4–3 || Romero (1–0) || Middleton (2–1) || — || 29,769 || 38–52 || W2|- style=background:#bbbfff |colspan=11|93rd All-Star Game in Seattle, Washington|- style="background:#bbb;" | — || July 14 || Nationals || colspan=8| Suspended (rain); Resuming: July 15th|- style="background:#fbb;" | 91 || July 15 || Nationals || 5–7 || Finnegan (4–3) || Hicks (1–6) || Harvey (9) || 42,042 || 38–53 || L1|- style="background:#bfb;"| 92 || July 15 || Nationals || 9–6 || Hudson (1–0) || Willingham (0–1) || — || 41,900 || 39–53 || W1|- style="background:#bfb;" | 93 || July 16 || Nationals || 8–4 || Flaherty (7–5) || Gray (6–8) || — || 42,626 || 40–53 || W2|- style="background:#bfb;" | 94 || July 17 || Marlins || 6–4 || Mikolas (6–5) || Floro (3–5) || Hicks (8) || 35,619 || 41–53 || W3|- style="background:#bfb;" | 95 || July 18 || Marlins || 5–2 || Romero (2–0) || Puk (4–4) || — || 38,490 || 42–53 || W4|- style="background:#bfb;" | 96 || July 19 || Marlins || 6–4 || Thompson (2–2) || Alcántara (3–9) || Stratton (1) || 35,906 || 43–53 || W5|- style="background:#bfb;" | 97 || July 20 || @ Cubs || 7–2 || Matz (1–7) || Stroman (10–7) || — || 34,251 || 44–53 || W6|- style="background:#fbb;" | 98 || July 21 || @ Cubs || 3–4 || Steele (10–3) || Flaherty (7–6) || Alzolay (8) || 38,819 || 44–54 || L1|- style="background:#fbb;" | 99 || July 22 || @ Cubs || 6–8 || Palencia (2–0) || Thompson (2–3) || Alzolay (9) || 40,425 || 44–55 || L2|- style="background:#fbb;" | 100 || July 23 || @ Cubs || 2–7 || Taillon (4–6) || Montgomery (6–8) || — || 38,223 || 44–56 || L3|- style="background:#bfb;" | 101 || July 24 || @ Diamondbacks || 10–6 || Gallegos (2–4) || Chafin (2–3) || — || 23,184 || 45–56 || W1|- style="background:#fbb;" | 102 || July 25 || @ Diamondbacks || 1–3 || Nelson (5–2) || Romero (2–1) || Ginkel (3) || 23,572 || 45–57 || L1|- style="background:#bfb;" | 103 || July 26 || @ Diamondbacks || 11–7 || Pallante (3–1) || Gallen (11–5) || — || 22,457 || 46–57 || W1|- style="background:#fbb;" | 104 || July 27 || Cubs || 3–10 || Steele (11–3) || Mikolas (6–6) || — || 44,584 || 46–58 || L1|- style="background:#fbb;" | 105 || July 28 || Cubs || 2–3 || Smyly (8–7) || Montgomery (6–9) || Alzolay (12) || 43,424 || 46–59 || L2|- style="background:#fbb;' | 106 || July 29 || Cubs || 1–5 || Taillon (5–6) || Wainwright (3–5) || — || 44,877 || 46–60 || L3|- style="background:#bfb;" | 107 || July 30 || Cubs || 3–0 || Matz (2–7) || Hendricks (4–5) || Romero (1) || 43,670 || 47–60 || W1|- |- style="background:#fbb;" | 108 || August 1 || Twins || 2–3 || López (6–6) || Mikolas (6–7) || Durán (18) || 37,162 || 47–61 || L1|- style="background:#bfb;" | 109 || August 2 || Twins || 7–3 || Hudson (2–0) || Ryan (9–8) || — || 34,332 || 48–61 || W1|- style="background:#fbb;" | 110 || August 3 || Twins || 3–5 || Gray (5–4) || Liberatore (1–4) || Durán (19) || 36,949 || 48–62 || L1|- style="background:#fbb;" | 111 || August 4 || Rockies || 4–9 || Flexen (1–5) || Wainwright (3–6) || — || 38,559 || 48–63 || L2|- style="background:#bfb;" | 112 || August 5 || Rockies || 6–2 || Matz (3–7) || Blach (1–1) || — || 38,121 || 49–63 || W1|- style="background:#fbb;" | 113 || August 6 || Rockies || 0–1 || Gomber (9–8) || Thompson (2–4) || Lawrence (9) || 40,051 || 49–64 || L1|- style="background:#fbb;" | 114 || August 8 || @ Rays || 2–4 || Adam (3–2) || Mikolas (6–8) || Fairbanks (15) || 15,522 || 49–65 || L2|- style="background:#bfb;" | 115 || August 9 || @ Rays || 6–4 || Hudson (3–0) || Kelly (4–2) || Gallegos (9) || 11,203 || 50–65 || W1|- style="background:#bfb;" | 116 || August 10 || @ Rays || 5–2 || Liberatore (2–4) || Littell (2–3) || — || 11,990 || 51–65 || W2|- style="background:#fbb;" | 117 || August 11 || @ Royals || 8–12 || Zerpa (1–1) || Wainwright (3–7) || — || 26,271 || 51–66 || L1|- style="background:#bfb;" | 118 || August 12 || @ Royals || 5–4 || Matz (4–7) || Ragans (3–4) || Romero (2) || 37,016 || 52–66 || W1|- style="background:#bfb;" | 119 || August 14 || Athletics || 7–5 || Romero (3–1) || Felipe (1–1) || — || 34,793 || 53–66 || W2|- style="background:#bfb;"| 120 || August 15 || Athletics || 6–2 || Hudson (4–0) || Watkins (0–1) || — || 32,528 || 54–66 || W3|- style="background:#fbb;" | 121 || August 16 || Athletics || 0–8 || Blackburn (3–3) || Liberatore (2–5) || — || 33,146 || 54–67 || L1|- style="background:#fbb;" | 122 || August 17 || Mets || 2–4 || Quintana (1–4) || Wainwright (3–8) || Gott (1) || 36,155 || 54–68 || L2|- style="background:#fbb;" | 123 || August 18 || Mets || 1–7 || Lucchesi (2–0) || Thompson (2–5) || — || 42,076 || 54–69 || L3|- style="background:#fbb;" | 124 || August 19 || Mets || 2–13 || Senga (10–6) || Mikolas (6–9) || — || 40,303 || 54–70 || L4|- style="background:#bfb;" | 125 || August 20 || Mets || 7–3 || Hudson (5–0) || Carrasco (3–7) || — || 37,470 || 55–70 || W1|- style="background:#fbb;" | 126 || August 21 || @ Pirates || 1–11 || Falter (1–7) || Rom (0–1) || — || 12,270 || 55–71 || L1|- style="background:#fbb;" | 127 || August 22 || @ Pirates || 3–6 || Oviedo (7–13) || Wainwright (3–9) || Bednar (27) || 11,823 || 55–72 || L2|- style="background:#bfb;" | 128 || August 23 || @ Pirates || 6–4 || Thompson (3–5) || Ortiz (2–4) || Romero (3) || 11,504 || 56–72 || W1|- style="background:#fbb;" | 129 || August 25 || @ Phillies || 2–7 || Sánchez (2–3) || Mikolas (6–10) || — || 34,118 || 56–73 || L1|- style="background:#fbb;"| 130 || August 26 || @ Phillies || 1–12 || Wheeler (10–6) || Hudson (5–1) || — || 44,097 || 56–74 || L2|- style="background:#fbb;"| 131 || August 27 || @ Phillies || 0–3 || Nola (12–8) || Rom (0–2) || Kimbrel (20) || 41,141 || 56–75 || L3|- style="background:#fbb;"| 132 || August 28 || Padres || 1–4 || Snell (11–9) || Wainwright (3–10) || Hader (28) || 35,917 || 56–76 || L4|- style="background:#bfb;" | 133 || August 29 || Padres || 6–5 || Romero (4–1) || Hader (0–2) || — || 36,851 || 57–76 || W1|- style="background:#bfb;" | 134 || August 30 || Padres || 5–4 || Pallante (4–1) || Hader (0–3) || — || 32,583 || 58–76 || W2|- |- style="background:#fbb;"| 135 || September 1 || Pirates || 2–4 || Selby (2–0) || Romero (4–2) || Bednar (30) || 33,842 || 58–77 || L1|- style="background:#fbb;" | 136 || September 2 || Pirates || 6–7 || Bolton (1–0) || VerHagen (4–1) || Bednar (31) || 38,276 || 58–78 || L2|- style="background:#bfb;"| 137 || September 3 || Pirates || 6–4 || Thompson (4–5) || Oviedo (8–14) || Gallegos (10) || 35,856 || 59–78 || W1|- style="background:#bfb;"| 138 || September 5 || @ Braves || 10–6 || Mikolas (7–10) || Soroka (2–2) || — || 33,553 || 60–78 || W2|- style="background:#bfb;" | 139 || September 6 || @ Braves || 11–6 || Hudson (6–1) || Strider (16–5) || — || 35,514 || 61–78 || W3|- style="background:#fbb;" | 140 || September 7 || @ Braves || 5–8 || Fried (7–1) || Wainwright (3–11) || — || 34,349 || 61–79 || L1|- style="background:#bfb;" | 141 || September 8 || @ Reds || 9–4 || Liberatore (3–5) || Abbott (8–5) || — || 29,870 || 62–79 || W1|- style="background:#bfb;"| 142 || September 9 || @ Reds || 4–3 || Thompson (5–5) || Moll (1–4) || Helsley (8) || 40,810 || 63–79 || W2|- style="background:#fbb;" | 143 || September 10 || @ Reds || 1–7 || Greene (4–6) || Mikolas (7–11) || — || 31,190 || 63–80 || L1|- style="background:#fbb;"| 144 || September 11 || @ Orioles || 5–11 || Hall (1–0) || Hudson (6–2) || — || 15,485 || 63–81 || L2|- style="background:#bfb;"| 145 || September 12 || @ Orioles || 5–2 || Wainwright (4–11) || Means (0–1) || Helsley (9) || 15,526 || 64–81 || W1|- style="background:#bfb;"| 146 || September 13 || @ Orioles || 1–0 || Rom (1–2) || Gibson (14–9) || Helsley (10) || 14,442 || 65–81 || W2|- style="background:#fbb;"| 147 || September 15 || Phillies || 4–5 || Strahm (9–4) || Thompson (5–6) || Alvarado (8) || 42,166 || 65–82 || L1|- style="background:#fbb;" | 148 || September 16 || Phillies || 1–6 || Suárez (3–6) || Mikolas (7–12) || — || 42,817 || 65–83 || L2|- style="background:#bfb;"| 149 || September 17 || Phillies || 6–5 || King (2–1) || Domínguez (4–5) || Helsley (11) || 40,996 || 66–83 || W1|- style="background:#bfb;"| 150 || September 18 || Brewers || 1–0 || Wainwright (5–11) || Peralta (12–9) || Helsley (12) || 33,176 || 67–83 || W2|- style="background:#993333| 151 || September 19 || Brewers || 3–7 || Rea (6–6) || Rom (1–3) || || 35,760 || 67–84 || L1|- style="background:#fbb;"| 152 || September 20 || Brewers || 2–8 || Houser (7–4) || Thompson (5–7) || — || 37,008 || 67–85 || L2|- style="background:#fbb;" | 153 || September 21 || Brewers || 0–6 || Miley (9–4) || Mikolas (7–13) || — || 37,105 || 67–86 || L3|- style="background:#fbb;" | 154 || September 22 || @ Padres || 2–4 || Suárez (4–2) || Liberatore (3–6) || — || 42,983 || 67–87 || L4|- style="background:#bfb;"| 155 || September 23 || @ Padres || 5–2 || Lawrence (1–0) || Barlow (2–5) || — || 42,525 || 68–87 || W1|- style="background:#fbb;"| 156 || September 24 || @ Padres || 2–12 || Wacha (13–4) || Rom (1–4) || — || 42,505 || 68–88 || L1|- style="background:#bfb;" | 157 || September 26 || @ Brewers || 4–1 || Mikolas (8–13) || Houser (7–5) || Helsley (13) || 36,755 || 69–88 || W1|- style="background:#fbb;" | 158 || September 27 || @ Brewers || 2–3 || Payamps (7–5) || Barnes (0–1) || Williams (36) || 31,256 || 69–89 || L1|- style="background:#fbb;"| 159 || September 28 || @ Brewers || 0–3 || Teherán (3–5) || Hudson (6–3) || Small (1) || 29,185 || 69–90 || L2|- style="background:#fbb;"| 160 || September 29 || Reds || 2–19 || Williamson (5–5) || Woodford (2–3) || Spiers (1) || 38,964 || 69–91 || L3|- style="background:#bfb;"| 161 || September 30 || Reds || 15–6 || VerHagen (5–1) || Phillips (1–1) || — || 39,923 || 70–91 || W1|- style="background:#bfb;" | 162 || October 1 || Reds || 4–3 || Mikolas (9–13) || Greene (4–7) || Helsley (14) || 44,614 || 71–91 || W2|-

Season standings

Record vs. opponents

Record vs. American League

Roster

See also: St. Louis Cardinals all-time roster and List of St. Louis Cardinals coaches.

2023 St. Louis Cardinals
Roster
PitchersCatchersInfieldersOutfieldersManagerCoaches

Player statistics

= Indicates team leader

Batting

Note: G = Games played; AB = At bats; R = Runs; H = Hits; 2B = Doubles; 3B = Triples; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in; SB = Stolen bases; BB = Walks; SO = Strikeouts; AVG = Batting average; OBP = On-base percentage; SLG = Slugging percentage
* = bats left-handed
# = bats both (switch-hitter)
TEAM .742 OPS (On-base + Slugging percentages; 6th of 15 NL teams), 101 OPS+ (adjusted for the team's ballpark)

bgcolor=#DDDDFF; width="20%"Playerbgcolor=#DDDDFF; width="7%"Gbgcolor=#DDDDFF; width="7%"ABbgcolor=#DDDDFF; width="7%"Rbgcolor=#DDDDFF; width="7%"Hbgcolor=#DDDDFF; width="7%"2Bbgcolor=#DDDDFF; width="7%"3Bbgcolor=#DDDDFF; width="7%"HRbgcolor=#DDDDFF; width="7%"RBIbgcolor=#DDDDFF; width="7%"SBbgcolor=#DDDDFF; width="7%"BBbgcolor=#DDDDFF; width="7%"SObgcolor=#DDDDFF; width="7%"AVGbgcolor=#DDDDFF; width="7%"OBPbgcolor=#DDDDFF; width="7%"SLG
Paul Goldschmidt1545938915931025801187161.268.363.447
Nolan Arenado144560711492622693341101.266.315.459
Tommy Edman137479691192541347273584.248.307.399
Willson Contreras125428551132702067651111.264.358.467
Lars Nootbaar117426741112311446117299.261.367.418
Jordan Walker117420511161921651737104.276.342.445
Nolan Gorman11940659961702776753148.236.328.478
Brendan Donovan953274893101113453353.284.365.422
Alec Burleson107315347720183632345.244.300.390
Paul DeJong812793865110133242187.233.297.412
Tyler O'Neill72238275514092152867.231.312.403
Andrew Knizner702243054110103121262.241.288.424
Dylan Carlson7621927488152732649.219.318.333
Masyn Winn371228212021221026.172.230.238
Richie Palacios3293924606162611.258.307.516
Luken Baker33869183021001331.209.313.314
Taylor Motter297631330020531.171.232.211
Juan Yepez286051110220420.183.246.300
José Fermín21515121004068.235.339.255
Iván Herrera133761120040511.297.409.351
Óscar Mercado2031393005214.290.313.387
Juniel Querecuto920221000016.100.143.150
Irving Lopez511000001005.000.000.000
Michael Siani55000000101.000.000.000
Tres Barrera62000000000.000.000.000
Adam Wainright22000000001.000.000.000
bgcolor=#DDDDFF; width="20%"Playerbgcolor=#DDDDFF; width="7%"Gbgcolor=#DDDDFF; width="7%"ABbgcolor=#DDDDFF; width="7%"Rbgcolor=#DDDDFF; width="7%"Hbgcolor=#DDDDFF; width="7%"2Bbgcolor=#DDDDFF; width="7%"3Bbgcolor=#DDDDFF; width="7%"HRbgcolor=#DDDDFF; width="7%"RBIbgcolor=#DDDDFF; width="7%"SBbgcolor=#DDDDFF; width="7%"BBbgcolor=#DDDDFF; width="7%"SObgcolor=#DDDDFF; width="7%"AVGbgcolor=#DDDDFF; width="7%"OBPbgcolor=#DDDDFF; width="7%"SLG
Totals1625,5107191,37626412209697101570 1,326 .250 .326 .416
Rank in NL510711155812467 76
Source:https://baseball-reference.com/teams/STL/2023-batting.shtml

Pitching

Note: W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; G = Games pitched; GS = Games started; SV = Saves; IP = Innings pitched; H = Hits allowed; R = Runs allowed; ER = Earned runs allowed; HR = Home runs allowed; BB = Walks allowed; SO = Strikeouts; WHIP = Walks plus hits per inning pitched
* = throws left-handed
TEAM BF = 6,273; ERA+ = 90

bgcolor=#DDDDFF; width="20%"Playerbgcolor=#DDDDFF; width="7%"Wbgcolor=#DDDDFF; width="7%"Lbgcolor=#DDDDFF; width="7%"ERAbgcolor=#DDDDFF; width="7%"Gbgcolor=#DDDDFF; width="7%"GSbgcolor=#DDDDFF; width="7%"SVbgcolor=#DDDDFF; width="7%"IPbgcolor=#DDDDFF; width="7%"Hbgcolor=#DDDDFF; width="7%"Rbgcolor=#DDDDFF; width="7%"ERbgcolor=#DDDDFF; width="3%"HRbgcolor=#DDDDFF; width="7%"BBbgcolor=#DDDDFF; width="7%"SObgcolor=#DDDDFF; width="5%"WHIP
Miles Mikolas9134.7835350201.122611010726391371.32
Jordan Montgomery693.4221210121.0116544612351081.25
Jack Flaherty764.4320200109.2116565410541061.55
Steven Matz473.8625170105.01084845932981.33
Adam Wainwright5117.4021210101.015189832041551.90
Dakota Hudson634.981812081.1884645934451.50
Andre Pallante414.76620068.0763736630431.56
Zack Thompson574.48259066.1693533825721.42
Matthew Liberatore365.252211061.2664236525461.48
Drew VerHagen513.98600061.0523027926601.28
Giovanny Gallegos244.425601055.05428271112591.20
Chris Stratton114.19420153.2452825417591.16
Jake Woodford236.23158047.26134331122291.74
Jordan Hicks163.67400841.2392117224591.51
Ryan Helsley342.453301436.2221110117521.06
JoJo Romero423.68270336.2291715110421.06
Drew Rom148.0288033.2513430719322.08
Génesis Cabrera115.06320032.0321818618381.56
Andrew Suárez007.16130027.2332722715171.74
Casey Lawrence106.59150027.1322020710201.54
John King101.45200018.2193316101.34
James Naile008.80100015.12719151972.35
Jacob Barnes015.93130013.2181191381.54
Packy Naughton000.004005.02000150.60
Ryan Tepera009.002002.03221112.00
Guillermo Zuñiga004.502002.02110041.00
Alec Burleson0021.602001.28441014.80
Kyle Leahy0121.603001.24441525.40
bgcolor=#DDDDFF; width="20%"Playerbgcolor=#DDDDFF; width="7%"Wbgcolor=#DDDDFF; width="7%"Lbgcolor=#DDDDFF; width="7%"ERAbgcolor=#DDDDFF; width="7%"Gbgcolor=#DDDDFF; width="7%"GSbgcolor=#DDDDFF; width="7%"SVbgcolor=#DDDDFF; width="7%"IPbgcolor=#DDDDFF; width="7%"Hbgcolor=#DDDDFF; width="7%"Rbgcolor=#DDDDFF; width="7%"ERbgcolor=#DDDDFF; width="3%"HRbgcolor=#DDDDFF; width="7%"BBbgcolor=#DDDDFF; width="7%"SObgcolor=#DDDDFF; width="5%"WHIP
Totals71914.79162162361,428.11,5498297601795301,2151.456
Rank in NL1321211121413123814
Source:https://baseball-reference.com/teams/STL/2023-pitching.shtml

Minor league system and first-year player draft

Teams

See also: List of St. Louis Cardinals minor league affiliates, St. Louis Cardinals minor league players and Minor League Baseball.

LevelTeamLeagueDivisionManagerW–L/StatsStanding
Triple-AMemphis RedbirdsInternational LeagueWestBen Johnson7–8 [23]
Double-ASpringfield CardinalsTexas LeagueNorthJosé Leger9–0
High-APeoria ChiefsMidwest LeagueWestPatrick Anderson5–4
Florida State LeagueEastGary Kendall64–63
RookieFCL CardinalsFlorida Complex LeagueEastRoberto Espinoza17–33
Foreign RookieDSL CardinalsDominican Summer LeagueSouthFray Peniche17–36

Major League Baseball draft

See main article: 2023 Major League Baseball draft.

The 2023 Major League Baseball (MLB) First-Year Player Draft took place on July 9–11, 2023, in Seattle. The draft assigned amateur baseball players to MLB teams.

2023 Draft Order

2023 Draft Tracker (STL Cardinals)
Cardinals Draft Signings Tracker

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: St. Louis Cardinals Team History & Encyclopedia . . September 18, 2023.
  2. Web site: Associated Press . 2022-09-09 . Pitch clocks and shift limits: MLB adopts sweeping rule changes for 2023 . 2022-10-13 . the Guardian . en.
  3. Web site: Toronto Blue Jays at St. Louis Cardinals Box Score, March 30, 2022 . . March 30, 2023.
  4. Web site: 2023-04-05 . After loss, Cardinals manager questions O'Neill's base running effort in key play . 2023-05-06 . FOX 2 . en-US.
  5. Web site: Artola . Alicia de . 2023-04-06 . Cardinals: Ken Rosenthal sheds light on Oli Marmol-Tyler O'Neill feud . 2023-05-06 . FanSided . en-US.
  6. News: Neville . Scott . April 5, 2023 . Cardinal's Tyler O'Neill Takes Subtle Shot At Manager Oli Marmol As Feud Heats Up . Sports Illustrated Saint Louis Cardinals News, Analysis and More .
  7. Web site: Thompson . Jaylon . Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol benches Tyler O'Neill after 'unacceptable' baserunning effort . 2023-05-06 . USA TODAY . en-US.
  8. Web site: Rookie sensation Walker's hit streak ends at 12 . 2023-05-06 . MLB.com . en.
  9. Web site: Taylor . Brett . Cardinals Sending Top Prospect Jordan Walker Back Down to the Minor Leagues . 2023-05-06 . www.bleachernation.com . April 26, 2023 . en-US.
  10. Web site: Taylor . Brett . 2023-05-06 . WOW: The Cardinals Are Removing Willson Contreras From Catching Duties . 2023-06-11 . www.bleachernation.com . en-US.
  11. Web site: With Cards' confidence, Contreras to return to catcher . 2023-06-11 . MLB.com . en.
  12. Web site: 2023-05-29 . Cardinals' Nolan Arenado breaks up Royals' combined perfect game in eighth inning . 2023-06-11 . CBSSports.com . en.
  13. Web site: 2023-06-12 . Cardinals' Ryan Helsley: Heads to IL with forearm strain . 2023-07-12 . CBSSports.com . en.
  14. Web site: Hicks fires up Cards with 104.3 mph heat . 2023-07-13 . MLB.com . en.
  15. Web site: Jordan Hicks Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More . 2023-07-13 . Baseball-Reference.com . en.
  16. Web site: Cubs 9-1 Cardinals (Jun 24, 2023) Box Score . 2023-07-12 . ESPN . en.
  17. Web site: Cubs 5-7 Cardinals (Jun 25, 2023) Game Recap . 2023-07-12 . ESPN . en.
  18. Web site: Arenado to represent Cardinals as All-Star Game starter . 2023-08-18 . MLB.com . en.
  19. Web site: Steven Matz 2023 pitching Stats Per Game - MLB . 2023-08-18 . ESPN . en.
  20. Web site: 200! Adam Wainwright outwits, outpitches in outstanding 1-0 win for history, for Cardinals . . Derrick . Goold . September 18, 2023.
  21. Web site: Cardinals veteran Adam Wainwright turned a grounder into a showstopper at Busch Stadium . Lynn . Worthy . . September 30, 2023.
  22. Web site: Cardinals close out losing, horrid 2023 with a win, grin & one last swing for Adam Wainwright . . Derrick . Goold . October 1, 2023.
  23. Web site: St. Louis Cardinals Minor League Affiliates . Baseball Reference . July 14, 2023.
  24. Web site: Cardinals to sign first-rounder Chase Davis. Mark . Polishuk . yardbarker.com . July 15, 2023.
  25. Web site: 2023 1st-rounder signs with Cards, takes BP in St. Louis . John . Denton . MLB . July 15, 2023.