St. Louis Cardinals: 6 players with something to prove

Several St. Louis Cardinals players have something to prove the remainder of 2021.

The 2021 season has been a doozy for the St. Louis Cardinals. So many ups and too many downs to feel comfortable.

The injury bug bit the Cardinals early and never quit. Jack Flaherty spent two months on the injured list with an oblique injury. He came back to the relief of fans hoping he would help them make a run into the playoffs. Those hopes hit a speed bump when he returned to the injured list with a shoulder issue. It’s unclear when, or if, Flaherty will return.

Wade LeBlanc landed on the injured list after starting to really pitch well in his rotation slot. Carlos Martinez never really seemed to have his stuff going this season and landed on the injured list.

The Cardinals outfield had a range of issues as well. Harrison Bader started the season on the injured list and headed back after cracking a rib. Tyler O’Neill has had a range of arm issues that have sidelined him. Dylan Carlson even spent some time on the injured list with a wrist issue.

Yadier Molina had a few injuries that required him to take a seat on the injured list and rest up.

Paul DeJong had an assortment of injuries as well, mostly involving his back and ribs. While he is considered healthy, Eduardo Sosa has taken a majority of the recent playing time at short.

The bullpen, too, has had its struggles. Jordan Hicks landed back on the injured list early in the season with an arm issue. Andrew Miller has had issues including a blister on his foot. Ryan Helsley was starting to come into his own as a reliever when he landed on the injured list in August.

As we start thinking about the offseason and the 2022 season, several players should use this time remaining to make an impression going into an offseason that could prove to be one of the more active in the club’s recent history.