Cardinals and Braves Clash Ahead of All-Star Break

ST. LOUIS, MO — The St. Louis Cardinals, with a 50-44 record, host the struggling Atlanta Braves (40-52) in a three-game series starting Friday. The Cardinals aim to carry their momentum from a recent series win against the Washington Nationals into the All-Star Break.

The Braves, coming off a not-so-friendly road trip and an overnight flight from Sacramento, California, will begin the series with tired legs. Grant Holmes, a 29-year-old right-handed pitcher, is slated to start Friday’s game. Holmes has a record of 4-8 this season with a 3.44 ERA and a 4.24 FIP, but struggles with home runs, allowing a 16% home run-to-fly ball rate.

On Saturday, the Braves will likely utilize a bullpen game, anticipating left-handed pitcher Aaron Bummer for an inning or two before bringing in other relievers. The Cardinals have had inconsistent performances against lefties, which may affect their approach at the plate.

Sunday features 20-year-old Didier Fuentes making only his fourth MLB appearance. Fuentes, a young international free agent from Colombia, has pitched 12 innings this season, developing a reputation for a high-velocity fastball and a strong swing-and-miss ability.

The Braves’ offense ranks 20th in the league, displaying stark inconsistencies with star players Ronald Acuña, Sean Murphy, and Matt Olson losing their offensive touch of late. Overall, the Braves are hindered by injuries within their pitching rotation.

The Cardinals have their issues too, particularly with spotty offense. Their recent success hinges heavily on the performance of their starting pitchers. Jordan Walker continues to struggle at AA, while Ivan Herrera is off on rehab at AAA.

Despite disappointing moments recently, the Cardinals are looking to establish control over this series to boost their standings just before the All-Star Break.