The St. Louis Cardinals are counting on Sonny Gray to step up as the team struggles. Gray is set to pitch on Thursday evening against the San Diego Padres at Busch Stadium, with the game starting at 6:45 p.m. The Cardinals are trying to recover from a challenging 1-5 road trip that concluded with a series loss to the lowly Colorado Rockies.
The pitching rotation has been a major concern for St. Louis, as they hold the worst ERA in Major League Baseball at 7.73 since June 30. They’ve only managed two quality starts in 18 games, with starters frequently allowing five runs or fewer than three innings pitched. Gray, who has been a significant figure in the rotation with a 4.04 ERA and nine wins, is also in a slump, having recently allowed nine runs in his last outing against Arizona.
Since joining the Cardinals in 2024, Gray has fared well at home, posting a 2.79 ERA. He will be pitted against 38-year-old Yu Darvish, who is struggling with his own injuries and has yet to throw more than five innings this season.
The Cardinals’ current standing is fourth in the National League Central with a record of 52-51, while the Padres sit second in the NL West with a 55-45 record. Both teams are coming off series losses, with the Padres dropping two out of three to the Miami Marlins.
Injury-wise, the Cardinals have several players dealing with issues. Alec Burleson is being evaluated after sustaining a bruised foot, while outfielder Lars Nootbaar is facing an extended recovery period due to a costochondral sprain. Nolan Gorman is also on the injured list due to recurring back tightness.
This matchup, particularly Gray’s performance, will be crucial for the Cardinals as they aim to improve their standing in the competitive NL Central. Fans remain hopeful that a turnaround is in sight, especially with Gray’s history of strong performances at Busch Stadium.
Online viewing options for the game can be found through FanDuel Sports Network Midwest and various local radio stations will cover the broadcast.