Defying odds, Cardinals are in first place in National League Central

The St. Louis Cardinals have defied all odds and are now in first place in the National League Central — and have a 1.5 game lead.

Don’t look now, but the St. Louis Cardinals are in first place in the National League Central for the first time since April 25.

Part of it has to do with the Milwaukee Brewers going on a nine-game losing streak, of course. But the Cardinals have had some key contributions throughout the season, especially of late, that allowed them to close the deficit rather quickly. Miles Mikolas and Dakota Hudson have stepped up in the rotation. Tommy Edman has emerged as a key piece offensively while Paul Goldschmidt has emerged as an early MVP candidate, Brendan Donovan has been a solid utility player and the young bats are showing flashes whenever they take the field.

That the Cardinals are in first place and have a 1.5 game lead over the Brewers while Nolan Arenado is not playing like Nolan Arenado, with Tyler O’Neill just returning after an extended Injured List stint and with Jack Flaherty/Steven Matz both on the IL is impressive. It’s also beyond encouraging as to what this season could end up becoming for the team – as long as they stay healthy.

It also provides an interesting dilemma for Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak. The trade deadline is almost two months away. If things continue to trend this way, does he go all in on this season considering it’s Yadier Molina, Adam Wainwright and Albert Pujols’ final seasons? Or does he continue to add complementary pieces without depleting the farm system so he can sustain both short- and long-term success?

The most likely answer is the latter. But the Cardinals very likely view Flaherty’s return as a big ticket trade deadline acquisition, as he will immediately slot right atop of their rotation. His return will stabilize and solidify the unit and combined with Matz’s return, would give them a 1-5 that looks like Flaherty, Wainwright, Mikolas, Matz and Hudson.

Considering the Cardinals’ extensive history with starting pitcher injuries, maybe Mozeliak looks for another cheap veteran capable of eating innings. Another reliever or two is surely on the list of things to address.

But the Cardinals are in first place despite being far from full strength – and with O’Neill and Dylan Carlson back, and Flaherty and Matz not far behind, their stay atop the NL Central could be sustained.