NL Central: Lineup shifts are looming

St. Louis Cardinals

The Cardinals haven’t had the turnaround they were hoping for in 2024. While it’s impossible to pin all of the team’s failures on one player, Paul Goldschmidt (1B, STL) certainly has to shoulder plenty of the blame. His falloff has been significant, as his contact rate has dropped from 72 percent in 2023 to 65 percent so far this season. Even when he has made contact, his barrel rate is just 4.3 percent, nearly a third of his rate last season.  

His struggles were thrust into the spotlight this week when he was out of the lineup both Wednesday and Thursday, specifically in an effort to get him on track. In two games since his return (Friday and Saturday), he’s gone 1-for-9 with four strikeouts (he did homer...

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From PT Tomorrow

This week, we welcome Zac Veen back to the majors, get a look at an exciting Giants' prospect, and check in on starting pitchers who look to be returning in August.
Aug 15 2026 3:06am
Davis Martin's breakout season is crashing and burning—could his rotation spot be in danger? Plus, Angel Genao's future role in CLE, Josue Briceño on the rise in DET, and starting pitching woes in KC and MIN.
Aug 13 2026 3:05am
The Braves were hoping to catch a big fish at the deadline but had to settle for a small fry instead. Plus: C in MIA; SP/RP at NYM; INF/OF in PHI; RP in WAS; more.
Aug 12 2026 8:09am
Brendan Donovan has returned, but the offense is lacking, and the Mariners need to mix things up.
Aug 12 2026 3:05am

Tools