Cardinals Open Post‑All Star Schedule vs Diamondbacks

Starting Pitchers Named

St. Louis will lean on right‑hander Michael McGreevy to launch its rotation for the first game after the All‑Star break. Meanwhile, Arizona will roll out Merrill Kelly on the hill, giving the Diamondbacks their usual frontline option. Both pitchers have been staples of their clubs’ staffs heading into Friday night’s contest.

The action kicks off at 8:40 p.m. central time in Arizona. The Cardinals aim to build momentum early in the post‑break stretch, while the Diamondbacks look to stay alive in the playoff picture. Fans can watch live coverage on Cardinals.tv.

Why This Game Matters

After a mid‑season pause, each team uses this series to reset its pace and address any issues uncovered during the break. A win for St. Louis could vault the Cardinals toward the division lead, whereas a victory for Arizona would reinforce their Wild Card credentials. This marks the first meeting between the clubs since the All‑Star intermission, so every play will carry weight in the tight playoff race.

The outcome will influence both the NL Central standings and the broader playoff shuffle, making this game a preview of the FinalWeeks intensity. Both sides know that securing a win now improves their positioning for the stretch drive that lies ahead.

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