Two Heartbreaking Blows Hit St. Louis Cardinals – Key Players Sidelined in 2025 Setback
The St. Louis Cardinals and their fan base are reeling after two devastating updates were confirmed on Saturday, shaking the foundation of an already turbulent season. The club announced that star pitcher Miles Mikolas and rising slugger Jordan Walker will both be sidelined for significant time — potentially altering the team’s playoff hopes in 2025.
Miles Mikolas Out Indefinitely with Elbow Injury
In a crushing development for the rotation, veteran right-hander Miles Mikolas has been diagnosed with a strained UCL in his throwing elbow, an injury that will keep him out indefinitely. The 36-year-old has been a cornerstone of the Cardinals’ pitching staff for years, known for his durability and consistency.
Mikolas was pulled early from his last outing after experiencing discomfort. Initial evaluations were inconclusive, but further imaging confirmed the strain, which now leaves his season — and possibly his career — in serious doubt.
Manager Oliver Marmol called the news “heartbreaking.”
“Miles is a leader in every way — on the mound, in the clubhouse, in how he carries himself,” Marmol said. “We’re going to miss everything he brings.”
There is no timeline yet for his return. Tommy John surgery is reportedly being discussed as a possible option, though no final decision has been made.
Jordan Walker Suffers Season-Ending Foot Injury
As if losing Mikolas wasn’t enough, the Cardinals also confirmed that Jordan Walker, one of their most promising young stars, will miss the remainder of the 2025 season after fracturing his left foot during Friday’s game against the Cincinnati Reds.
Walker, 23, had been in the midst of a breakout campaign, batting .282 with 17 home runs and 51 RBIs. His power, maturity at the plate, and strong outfield defense had made him a fan favorite and central piece of the team’s future.
The injury occurred while Walker was hustling down the line on a routine grounder to third. He collapsed after hitting the bag and had to be helped off the field. X-rays and an MRI later confirmed a complex fracture requiring surgery.
“It’s devastating,” said Cardinals president John Mozeliak. “Jordan was not only one of our top performers — he was playing with the kind of heart and energy that this franchise thrives on. This is a big loss.”
A Team in Turmoil
The double blow comes at the worst possible time. The Cardinals have struggled to stay above .500 all season and are already facing questions about their depth and consistency. With both Mikolas and Walker now unavailable, the pressure mounts on a roster that can ill afford more setbacks.
“This isn’t just baseball — it’s personal,” said longtime Cardinals fan Anthony Silva. “These guys are family to us. Seeing Jordan in tears and Mikolas unsure about his future — it hurts.”
While reinforcements may come through trades or minor league call-ups, the emotional and competitive impact of losing two of the team’s pillars in one weekend will linger.
The Cardinals will try to regroup as they continue their homestand, but the road ahead has grown steeper — and much more painful.
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