St. Louis Cardinals: Analyzing the second-half schedule

AUGUST: TIME TO MAKE A MOVE

The schedule in August is full of highs and lows. With six games against the Royals, two games against the Tigers, and ten games against the Pirates, the Cardinals can expect to be favored in the majority of their contests. On the other side, however, are three games against the under-performing but uber-talented Atlanta Braves, two more games against the Reds, and a key home series against the Brewers.

Ideally, the Cardinals can come into the Brewers series hot. After a difficult stretch to end July, they need to beat up on the bad teams. August gives them a chance to do that. Of the 27 games they play, 15 are at home and only five are against teams currently over .500.

August is also when reinforcements are scheduled to come in. Between the trade deadline on July 30 (yes, it’s on the 30 this year) and the expected returns of Jack Flaherty and Miles Mikolas, August is looking like the month where moves will be made.

Where will the Brewers be when they come to St. Louis in mid-August? Outside of the Reds, and a visit from the Giants, their end of July and beginning of August isn’t too challenging. However, after playing the Cardinals, Milwaukee starts a challenging stretch of games against the Nationals, Reds, and then the Giants again. The Cardinals might be eight games back, but there are plenty of chances in August to make up ground.