St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Lars Nootbaar exited Thursday’s game against the Washington Nationals in the seventh inning due to rib discomfort, causing concern among fans. However, the Cardinals quickly addressed the situation, with manager Oli Marmol describing the move as precautionary.

An 8-1 defeat features a paltry offense, shaky defense, ineffective starting pitching and a lack of focus. It all adds up to what you would expect.

While the Cardinals trailed early vs. the Nationals on Wednesday at Busch Stadium, their offense's troubles vs. left-handed starters stalled a comeback.

Washington fired their manager and got out to an early 2-0 lead over St. Louis before allowing four unanswered runs. After the All-Star break, the Nationals could see that new management boost and see the second-half of the season as a new lease on a potentially lost year.

Interim manager Miguel Cairo vowed to continue Dave Martinez’s legacy and praised his former boss before the Nationals’ rain-delayed 4-2 loss to the Cardinals.

The St. Louis Cardinals pick fifth in the MLB Draft on Sunday night. It's the highest the Cardinals have selected in quite some time, and whoever they pick will

Andre Pallante takes the hill Wednesday as the St. Louis Cardinals continue a series against All-Star MacKenzie Gore and the Washington Nationals at 6:45 p.m. at Busch Stadium. Here's how to watch and listen.

This article was originally published on www.si.com/mlb/cardinals as Cardinals Lineup Could Get Significant Boost Vs. Nationals. The St. Louis Cardinals have been missing Nolan Arenado since July 4th.