The St. Louis Cardinals are once again on a roll—and much of the credit belongs to manager Oli Marmol. After guiding the team to a nine-game winning streak, Marmol is showing he knows how to get the most out of his roster in what most assumed was a rebuilding year.
Just a few years ago, former manager Mike Shildt solidified his legacy with a 17-game win streak that sparked playoff hopes in 2021. Now, Marmol is creating his own story, steering the St. Louis Cardinals back into contention and keeping them just one game out of first place in the NL Central. Even USA Today’s Bob Nightengale couldn’t help but praise Marmol for defying expectations during what many thought would be a rebuilding year. And that was after a 6-game win streak which since has grown to 9.
Some even thought it was passed time for Marmol (and Mozeliak) to go.
Pitching Strategy: Adapting on the Fly
When the season began, Marmol and pitching coach Dusty Blake opted for a six-man rotation to give their starters extra rest. It seemed like the right move, considering how important durability would be over the long haul. But as the bullpen faltered early on, the coaching staff made a pivotal decision. Steven Matz moved from swingman duties to a regular bullpen role.
The May schedule allowed for the started to get extra rest and keep them fresh while stabilizing the bullpen. Matz’s transition has provided much-needed consistency, complementing newcomers Kyle Leahy and Phil Maton who have shown some signs of brilliance. With the starters now consistently going deep into games, the bullpen has found its groove.
But not all the credit—or blame—goes to Marmol. Early in the season, relievers like Ryan Fernandez, John King, and JoJo Romero often screwed the pooch. This forced Marmol to make tough choices with limited options. As roles have become clearer, though, the bullpen has become a more reliable unit.
Mastering Mikolas: Smarter Usage for Better Results
One of Marmol’s smartest adjustments has been his handling of Miles Mikolas. The right-hander isn’t a power pitcher, so keeping him from facing the lineup a third time through has been a game-changer. In his most recent start, Marmol pulled Mikolas after 5.1 innings with just one run allowed—even though the righty had thrown only 69 pitches. The decision paid off, keeping Mikolas effective and avoiding late-game fatigue.
Oli Marmol Lineup Tweaks: Quick Adjustments Lead to Big Results
One of Marmol’s biggest strengths this season has been his flexibility with the lineup. When Willson Contreras hit an early-season slump, Marmol didn’t hesitate to drop him in the order. At the same time Masyn Winn earned a move up to the number two spot. Instead of being dogmatc with his plan, Marmol has been quick to reward hot hitters and shuffle slumping ones. Adapting quickly like that has kept the offensive momentum going strong.
This proactive approach has been vital, especially as St. Louis boasts a deep lineup of productive hitters. Whether it’s moving players around based on matchups or maximizing their strengths, Marmol’s lineup decisions are helping the team stay consistent.
A Focus on Defense: Turning the Corner in the Field
While the Cardinals’ bats and pitching arms are making headlines, their defensive has probably been the most impressive of the three. As of now, the Cardinals lead the major leagues with 25 defensive outs above average. This isn’t just luck—it’s the product of Marmol’s commitment to defense-oriented lineups and the influence of new coaches Jon Jay and Daniel Descalso.
Take Jordan Walker, for example. The young outfielder struggled defensively in 2024, finishing with two outs below average. Fast forward to 2025, and the script is flipped, posting one out above average so far. Walker credits hitting coach Jon Jay for his about face at the plate, but it’s also a reflection of Marmol’s emphasis on fundamentals.
Oli Marmol Rewrites the Narrative
Oli Marmol’s approach this season has been about rolling with the punches, adapting on the fly, and making the most of his roster. From adjusting the rotation to managing the lineup with a quick trigger, he’s kept the Cardinals competitive despite the odds.
While critics questioned the team’s direction at the start of the year, Marmol has shown that sometimes, the best strategy is to keep adjusting—and it’s paying off. As long as the Cardinals keep riding this wave, there’s every reason to believe that Oli Marmol’s St. Louis Cardinals can push for the postseason.
Keep an eye on this team—they’re just getting started.
