The Cardinals' recent performance against the Cubs has been a rollercoaster, to say the least. After a disappointing first inning, the team's fortunes took a turn for the better with Edward Cabrera's return from the IL. However, the fourth inning proved to be a turning point, as Cabrera's control issues led to three walks, setting the stage for a disastrous inning. Ryan Rolison, who entered the game with just one out, couldn't stop the bleeding, giving up a two-run double and a two-run home run. This performance raises concerns about Rolison's consistency, especially after his previous outings. The game also took a concerning turn when Dansby Swanson left with left side discomfort, potentially an oblique injury, which is notoriously tricky to heal and prone to re-injury. This injury adds to the team's woes, as the Cardinals already have a history of dealing with oblique injuries, as evidenced by Seiya Suzuki's recent struggles. Despite the setbacks, the Cardinals found some solace in Pete Crow-Armstrong's two-run home run, which briefly brought them back into the game. However, the overall performance was a step backward, and the team will need to regroup and find their rhythm again. The upcoming series against the White Sox will be a crucial test for the Cardinals, as they look to forget this stinker of a weekend and get back on track. The team will need to address their recent struggles and find a way to regain their confidence and consistency. The future looks uncertain, but the Cardinals will need to pull together and find their winning form if they want to make a push for the playoffs.
