Masyn Winn to Undergo MRI on his Knee
The St. Louis Cardinals got a bit of a jolt on Sunday when Masyn Winn wasn’t penciled into the lineup. Now, missing a day here or there isn’t normally cause for panic—but in this case, the reason is knee soreness that’s been nagging him since at least the All-Star break. And with just 31 games left in the season, the question becomes unavoidable: what should the Cardinals do with their star shortstop?
According to MLB.com’s John Denton, Winn will undergo another MRI on Monday. That’s concerning enough, but the kicker is that a previous MRI already revealed “a little something.” Denton also noted that Winn has been playing through pain for weeks. He even received an injection around the break just to keep going.
That’s “another” MRI. This is the second one he’s had on that knee in the last 2 months:
One has to wonder if that pain in the knee contributed to Winn’s third error of the season?
Winn wants to Play through the Pain
And here’s the tough part: Winn wants to push through it. He even told reporters he’d prefer to play the season out and undergo an arthroscopic procedure later if it’s needed. That’s the kind of grit that makes teammates rally around you. But it’s also the kind of risk that keeps front offices awake at night.
The reality? St. Louis isn’t likely heading to the postseason. With their playoff chances fading fast, every at-bat Winn takes while hurt feels like rolling the dice on the Cardinals’ future. At just 23 years old, he’s not just another name in the lineup—he’s one of the cornerstones of this franchise moving forward.
If the Cardinals shut him down, it would be a frustrating end to the year for both the team and its fans. But letting him keep grinding through knee pain, knowing the organization needs him healthy in 2026 and beyond? That’s a gamble the front office might not be able to justify.
One way or another, the Cardinals are staring at a decision that could shape not just September—but the seasons to come.
That being said, if he were to be shut down, that means more at bats for other middle infielders. Maybe one named JJ?
