Nolan Arenado Playing in Series Opener
Nolan Arenado (finger) is at the hot corner and is batting fifth for Monday's series opener in Pittsburgh against the division-rival Pirates and left-hander Andrew Heaney at PNC Park. Arenado was lifted early as a precaution in Sunday's series finale against the Cleveland Guardians after he jammed his right index finger while running to first base. The injury wasn't a serious one, but it will be worth watching to see if it affects the 34-year-old veteran at the plate to close out the first half of the season. Arenado has gone hitless in nine career at-bats against Heaney and is in just the 26th percentile in expected slugging percentage. The eight-time All-Star's power is down for a second straight season (10 homers in 79 games), but he has been better at the plate in June, slashing .283/.317/.434 with four homers, three doubles, 14 RBI and 14 runs in 26 games.
Source: MLB.com
St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Source: MLB.com

Read More News