Today is the trade deadline for the 2016 season, and the questions still abound. We know by now what the Cardinals need – depth in the pitching rotation. Sportscasters have brought up several times how unique the Cardinals 5-man rotation is to the game of pro baseball. Yep, there’s a 100% chance that you have seen Wainright, Wacha, Leake, Garcia, or Martinez start a game this season. Cardinals have had many relievers, but now that Rosenthal is out, we need another solid arm in the bullpen. And this season, relievers are in high demand, which equals high pay in the economics of baseball.

Your St. Louis Cardinals announced yesterday that they picked up lefty Zach Duke from the Chicago White Sox in exchange for AAA outfielder Charlie Tilson. Duke’s numbers show that he’s a 2nd rate reliever, which is important to the smaller market Cardinals. You might recall Duke pitched for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2005-2010 seasons. Duke has pitched in 53 games so far this season, the second best in all of baseball, with a 4.63 ERA. What also made him desirable to the Cards is that he is signed through next season.

Thanks to the 1-2 series against the Miami Marlins, the Cards are 1 game back in the Wild Card race. But there’s a lot of season left. And tomorrow, the Cards open up a 3-game series against the 42-61 Reds. Go Cards!

Upcoming Games

DateTimeOpponentProbable Pitcher
Tuesday, August 26:10 PM@ Cincinnati RedsAdam Wainwright
Wednesday, August 36:10 PM@ Cincinnati RedsMichael Wacha
Thursday, August 411:35 AM@ Cincinnati RedsMike Leake

Game times and pitchers are subject to change. Go to stlcardinals.com for the most up-to-date schedule and information.

NL Central Standings

TeamWinsLossesPercentageGames Back
Chicago Cubs6341.606
St. Louis Cardinals5649.5337.5
Pittsburgh Pirates5251.50510.5
Milwaukee Brewers4756.45615.5
Cincinnati Reds4261.40421.0

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