Report: Wainwright's deal with Cardinals on hold
Because Adam Wainwright's deal with the Cardinals contains a guaranteed salary that is more than a 20 percent cut from last season, it has been put on hold until after free agency.
2018 ScheduleAll times ET
2018 Schedule
88-74, 3rd in NL Cent
Wainwright to return for 15th season with Cards
Adam Wainwright, a three-time All-Star during his 14 seasons with the Cardinals, will be returning in 2019 after agreeing to a one-year deal on Thursday.
Bradford Doolittle ESPN Staff Writer
Here's one Hot Stove question answered early: The Cardinals just announced that they've reached an agreement on a one-year deal with veteran righty Adam Wainwright to remain in St. Louis for a 15th season. Wainwright ranks fifth in Cardinals history with 148 career victories.
The Undefeated: In a year of assassinations, an angry Bob Gibson pitched his way into the record books
Cardinals ace faced Denny McLain 50 years ago in Game 1 of the World Series
Power Rankings: Astros fight off their superteam rivals
The top challengers from both leagues couldn't take down Houston during the regular season. Will they fare better in October?
Cubs force NL Central tiebreaker game, beat Cardinals 10-5
Anthony Rizzo had four hits and scored three times, and the Chicago Cubs set up a tiebreaker game for the NL Central title by beating the St. Louis Cardinals 10-5 on Sunday.
Olney: What non-playoff teams need to work on
The Nationals are just one of the teams sorting out their winter priorities as they decide whether Bryce Harper is part of their future.
Marly Rivera ESPN Writer
With the Dodgers 10-6 win over the Giants, the St. Louis Cardinals are officially eliminated from playoff contention. It was still an extremely impressive showing by a team that was all but written off after being 8.5 games out of first place in the NL Central at the end of July.
David Schoenfield ESPN Senior Writer
The Dodgers break up a 5-5 game with one run in the eighth and four in the ninth to beat the Giants 10-6 and clinch a wild-card spot. The Cardinals are eliminated and the Dodgers wait and see what happens tonight in Denver. If the Rockies lose, we head into Sunday with a dead heat in the NL West and red-hot rookie Walker Buehler starting for L.A.
For a few hours, Mikolas kept Cardinals' postseason hopes alive
The 'Lizard King' delivered another gem, but St. Louis' bid to reach the postseason would not survive Saturday.
Marly Rivera ESPN Writer
Funny quote by Cole Hamels, who also repeatedly praised Miles Mikolas' performance today in the Cardinals 2-1 win over the Cubs: "I think you have to admire his mustache more than anything. He's definitely got me beat."
Marly Rivera ESPN Writer
Joe Maddon on the probability of no longer being in sole possession of the best record in the National League if Brewers win tonight: "I'd like to continue to have the best record in the league after tomorrow."
David Schoenfield ESPN Senior Writer
Great job by Milos Mikolas to limit the Cubs to one unearned run over eight innings to keep the Cardinals' slim playoff hopes alive -- only the fifth time all season a Cardinals starter has gone at least eight innings. The Cardinals are at 88 wins and the Dodgers at 89, so they need to win Sunday and hope the Dodgers lose their final two to tie for the second wild card.
Mikolas goes 8 innings, Cardinals beat Cubs 2-1
Miles Mikolas outpitched Cole Hamels with eight sparkling innings, and the St. Louis Cardinals stayed alive in the playoff race by topping the Chicago Cubs 2-1 on Saturday.
Marly Rivera ESPN Writer
Major League Baseball today announced the scheduling of Monday's potential Tiebreaker Games on ESPN.
Marly Rivera ESPN Writer
Schildt on the missed opportunities today (Cardinals went 2-for-12 with runners in scoring position): "Left money on the table... our backs are against the wall."
Hendricks, Bryant lead way as Cubs beat Cardinals 8-4
Kyle Hendricks went eight innings in another strong start, Kris Bryant homered and the Chicago Cubs moved closer to the NL Central championship and dealt another hit to St. Louis' playoff hopes, beating the Cardinals 8-4 on Friday.
Marly Rivera ESPN Writer
A joyous Marcell Ozuna ahead of Cubs-Cardinals.
Marly Rivera ESPN Writer
Beautiful day in Chicago as the Cubs host the Cardinals in their quest for a third consecutive NL Central title – live at 1:20 p.m. CT on ESPN. Cardinals also try to hold on to their playoff hopes as they battle the Dodgers and Rockies for one of the final Wild Card spots.
BBTN: Crazy Scenarios, CC's Revenge, More
Buster talks to Bob Nightengale (1:24) & Boog Sciambi (14:24) about what could take place in the season's final weekend, CC Sabathia sticking up for his teammate and more. Plus, Rob Bradford with some "Inside Heat" on the level of panic over Chris Sale and Boston's pitching staff (33:58).
BBTN Scoreboard: David Dahl Stays Hot And CC Sabathia Defends His Teammates, Not His Wallet
Buster breaks down an eventful Thursday slate, including CC Sabathia passing on $500,000 and David Dahl's clutch gene.
It all comes down to this: Previewing MLB's final weekend
Can the Cubs hold off the Brewers? Will L.A. catch the Rockies? Can the Cardinals regroup and grab a wild card? We get you ready for the big finish.
BBTN Scoreboard: Central Resolutions, Goodbye Bryce?, DeGromâs Dominance
Buster recaps all of Wednesday's MLB action, including playoff resolutions in the NL Central, a potential goodbye for Bryce Harper, a milestone for Mookie Betts and an exclamation point for Jacob deGrom.
Brewers clinch playoff spot with sweep of Cards
The Milwaukee Brewers clinched their first playoff spot since 2011, ensuring at least a spot in the NL wild-card game when Jhoulys Chacin pitched five shutout innings to beat the St. Louis Cardinals 2-1 Wednesday night for a three-game sweep.
David Schoenfield ESPN Senior Writer
Jeremy Jeffress closes out the 2-1 victory as the Brewers clinch a playoff spot. They still have their sights on something bigger, however: A division title. The Cardinals are in trouble as they'll probably have to sweep the Cubs this weekend and then get some help from the Dodgers or Rockies losing.
2018 NL Central Standings
| TEAM | W | L | PCT | GB | STRK |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee | 96 | 67 | .589 | - | W8 |
| Chicago | 95 | 68 | .583 | 1 | L1 |
| St. Louis | 88 | 74 | .543 | 7.5 | L1 |
| Pittsburgh | 82 | 79 | .509 | 13 | W1 |
| Cincinnati | 67 | 95 | .414 | 28.5 | L1 |
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2018 Team Leaders
- Batting
- Pitching
Batting Average
Home Runs
Runs Batted In
Earned Run Average
Wins
Strikeouts
Team Stats
- Batting
- Pitching
Runs759Tied-10th
Batting Average.24917th
On Base Percentage.32114th
Slugging Percentage.40914th
Earned Run Average3.8512th
Quality Starts82Tied-15th
WHIP1.3421st
BAA.24613th