Nolan Arenado, a key player for the St. Louis Cardinals, recently approached manager Oli Marmol with a request to bat lower in the lineup. This selfless move comes as Arenado has been experiencing a slump at the plate, demonstrating his leadership and commitment to the team’s success rather than focusing solely on his personal performance.
Arenado’s decision to slide down to the sixth spot has benefited rising stars Willson Contreras and Ivan Herrera. Contreras, who is currently batting .249 with an OPS of .736, has been a consistent contributor with nine doubles, six home runs, and 26 RBIs. Meanwhile, after recovering from a knee injury, Herrera has been outstanding, with a .429 batting average and an OPS of 1.348, including five home runs and 18 RBIs. His return to form adds depth to the Cardinals’ offense, making the team’s lineup more formidable.
In an interview, Arenado emphasized that his decision stemmed from wanting to support his teammates who are currently performing better. He stated, “Guys are playing well in front of me, or those who were hitting behind me, and they should move up in front of me. It was nothing more than that.” This mindset reflects Arenado’s dedication to the team.
Despite his recent struggles, including a tough series in Kansas City where he went 0-for-4 and 0-for-3 before improving to 2-for-5, this change in lineup may provide the jolt he needs to rediscover his form. By stepping back, he not only supports his teammates but also puts pressure off himself, allowing for a potential rebound. This pivot could encourage a more potent offensive threat from the Cardinals moving forward.
Overall, Arenado’s humility and willingness to adapt showcases a leadership quality that could foster team cohesion and success in the coming games.