ST. LOUIS – The St. Louis Cardinals have achieved a winning record for the first time since early April with a thrilling 12-inning victory on Monday.
Now standing at 36-35, the Cardinals have risen to the top record in the National League since Mother’s Day (20-11). They have gained momentum after a rough start to the 2024 season and currently hold the second Wild Card spot in the National League.
Baseball can be unpredictable, not just in terms of results but also in the players who make an impact. As the Cardinals approach the second half of the season, several unsung heroes have emerged to contribute in unique ways.
Here’s a closer look at five players who have quietly played a key role in the Cardinals’ success.
Alec Burleson has been a consistent presence in the outfield for the Cardinals, especially as injuries and inconsistencies have affected other players. His fielding skills and speed have been underappreciated, but they have been crucial in several comeback wins this season.
Burleson had an impressive 11-game hitting streak in late May and has maintained consistent hitting throughout the month. He has the lowest number of strikeouts among players with at least 100 at-bats and puts the ball in play around 85% of the time. This has proved to be effective in creating scoring opportunities for the team, especially with more playing time this season.
Rookie catcher Pedro Pagés had a memorable Father’s Day weekend at Wrigley Field, hitting game-winning home runs with his father in attendance. He earned his first call to the big leagues in April and has made the most of the opportunity, platooning catching duties with Iván Herrera. Despite the challenges of guiding a veteran pitching staff, Pagés has shown composure behind the plate and contributed to the team’s success.
Michael Siani may not have the strongest statistics on his baseball card, but he excels in making difficult plays and executing sacrifice bunts. His defensive performance has been outstanding, ranking among the top outfielders in Outs Above Average and leading the league in sacrifice bunts. Siani’s versatility and contributions in different game situations have been valuable for the Cardinals.
Kyle Gibson, signed by the Cardinals in the offseason, has exceeded expectations by consistently working deep into games. He has provided stability to the pitching staff, working at least five innings in nearly every start and delivering quality starts on multiple occasions. Gibson’s ability to pitch effectively to game situations has been a valuable asset to the team.
Rule 5 pick Fernandez has been a versatile asset in the bullpen, taking on various roles and excelling in high-pressure situations. He recently earned his first career save and has yet to allow an earned run in June outings. Fernandez’s growing impact in the bullpen and adaptability to different game scenarios have been crucial for the Cardinals.
