The St. Louis Cardinals continue their strong start to the season. The Cardinals started the week by winning two of three games against the Cleveland Guardians, highlighted by a come-from-behind victory on Tuesday. The team punctuated the week by sweeping the Houston Astros on the road over the weekend. After a 5-1 week, it is time to highlight the Cardinals’ top performers of the week.
Cardinals’ Standouts of the Week
Standout #3- Nathan Church
With Lars Nootbaar sidelined by injury, Church has received an extended look in the outfield to start the season. The 25-year-old made the most of his opportunities, delivering big hits throughout the week. In Tuesday’s come-from-behind win, Church produced a walk-off sacrifice fly in the tenth inning. Despite not starting the game, he made his presence felt in a decisive moment. He kept up the momentum the next day, going 3-4 and driving in another run.
While Nootbaar’s absence has opened the door for Church, the same opportunity has been given to Jose Fermin and Thomas Saggese. This rotation has meant consistent but limited playing time for Church, making it all the more important for him to capitalize when called upon—which he certainly did this week.
As the Cardinals rebuild, Church now has a chance to prove he belongs in their future plans by showcasing his skills. His solid defense and decent speed are valuable, and if he continues to produce with the bat, he becomes an even bigger asset. His performance this past week certainly will maintain the amount of playing time he is getting now. The question is, can he do what is needed to earn more?
Standout #2- Riley O’Brien
O’Brien, a 31-year-old veteran, has stabilized the closer role by consistently finishing games and keeping opposing teams scoreless in save situations. His reliability at the end of games has strengthened the bullpen and preserved several late leads.
O’Brien had a busy week. After earning the win in the Cardinals’ walk-off on Tuesday, he followed up with a save less than 24 hours later. He notched another save on Saturday and, despite allowing inherited runners to score in the eighth on Sunday, he rebounded with a scoreless ninth to set up the Cardinals’ extra-inning victory—picking up his third win of the year in the process.
The Cardinals’ bullpen has delivered mixed results this season. O’Brien stands out as a reliable late-game arm. His steady presence has fueled the team’s fast start. If O’Brien remains consistent, the Cardinals could surprise in the standings, exceeding many expectations.
Standout #1- Masyn Winn
Winn began the season slowly, missing some games due to injury. However, the reigning Gold Glove winner turned things around at the plate this week, notching hits in all six games. He made a big impact over the weekend in Houston, launching his first home run of the season on Saturday and collecting three hits on Sunday.
While Winn’s slow start wasn’t cause for concern—especially with Jordan Walker’s emergence—it’s encouraging to see the young shortstop heating up at the plate. If he maintains this momentum, his batting will become a major asset, adding to his existing speed and defensive prowess. Together, these traits make Winn a dangerous opponent. He already has one Gold Glove, with more on the way, but an All-Star appearance does not seem far fetched given his skill set.
The Week Ahead
The Cardinals will wrap up their road trip in Florida against the Miami Marlins before returning home for interleague play versus the Seattle Mariners. The weekend will also see Brendan Donovan’s return to St. Louis, and Cardinal Nation is sure to give him a deserving ovation.
Main Photo: Erik Williams- Imagn Images
