What’s the Update on Nolan Arenado’s Shoulder?
The St. Louis Cardinals have been without Nolan Arenado, since he landed on the injured list with a right shoulder strain shortly after the trade deadline. The timing sparked plenty of speculation, but the latest updates suggest fans haven’t seen the last of Arenado in a Cardinals uniform this season.
After the deadline passed and St. Louis pivoted toward a rebuilding phase, Arenado’s name naturally swirled in trade rumors. Instead, the 10-time Gold Glove winner and eight-time All-Star was placed on the IL before a 4-1 loss to the Padres. At 34 years old, Arenado has been enduring one of the toughest offensive stretches of his career. He hasn’t homered since June 21, a 25-game drought that’s nearly matched his career-long slump. His power numbers are down, and the shoulder issue likely explains why.
Arenado will be back in a Cardinals Uniform
That injury-fueled dip opened the door for speculation about whether Arenado had already played his final game in St. Louis. But according to Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the Cardinals fully expect him back before the season ends. Goold reports that Arenado is training at the team’s facility in Jupiter, Florida, with every intention of returning to the lineup in 2025.
“He’s working in Jupiter with the full-throttle intent to return this season,” Goold explained. “The Cardinals expect him back, and that’s the plan they’re operating with.”
In other words: this isn’t the end of the road. While Arenado’s bat has been quiet, his resume and reputation speak volumes. The Cardinals know what kind of impact he can still make once healthy. Social media may have run wild with “farewell” talk, but the reality is much more optimistic — fans should see Arenado anchoring third base again before the curtain falls on 2025.
Is there Room for both Arenado and Wetherholt on the Roster? Probably not.
For now, the focus is on recovery and getting his swing back in rhythm. If Arenado returns strong, he not only erases the speculation but also gives St. Louis a steadying presence in a lineup that has gone through plenty of change.
This news shouldn’t surprise anyone, despite the speculation. The Cardinals aren’t just going to write him a check and send him packing. With a full no-trade clause, Arenado can force them to either write that check or play him. This news also makes it more likely that JJ Wetherholt won’t see the field at Busch Stadium until 2026, despite him lapping the competition at Triple A.
