The St. Louis Cardinals published Wednesday’s lineup at 9:22 a.m. Central Time with Nolan Arenado slated to play third base in the matinee. Then, just before the first pitch, the team published an update removing Arenado from the lineup with Nolan Gorman taking his place at third base.

Shortly after the game began, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported on X that the Cardinals’ star was scratched for back spasms. The Cardinals’ delay in reporting why their third baseman was scratched had to be worrisome for the fans after trade rumors circulated all offseason.

Arenado has been subject to trade rumors since the end of last season, and with the Cardinals’ underwhelming start to the season, combined with Arenado’s strong start, there was speculation the Cardinals may be trying to capitalize on his return value. But Arenado had not been traded as of Wednesday afternoon and was merely having back spasms before the game against the Pirates.

The Cardinals headed into Wednesday looking to sweep their division rival for the first time this year. The Cardinals are looking to vault themselves back into the top of the National League Central and staying ahead of injuries will certainly help.

The Cardinals’ decision to scratch Arenado is likely due to their upcoming set on the road and they want to keep him healthy before being out of town for the next nine games. When the Cardinals return to Busch Stadium on May 19, they will host the Detroit Tigers.

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