First pitch is scheduled for 6:40 PM ET
Coverage: MLB.TV, Marlins.TV / Cardinals.TV; radio on WQAM 104.3 FM / WAQI 710 AM (MIA) and KMOX 1120 AM / 104.1 FM (STL)
Venue & Game Context
The St. Louis Cardinals visit the Miami Marlins in the middle game of a three-game interleague series inside loanDepot park. Miami took the series opener Monday night 5-3, snapping St. Louis’s five-game win streak and improving to 1-0 in the set. The Cardinals remain competitive in the NL Central while the Marlins fight for footing in the NL East. The climate-controlled dome (roof status typically open in favorable weather) sets up for a neutral environment with no outdoor elements affecting play.
Weather Update
loanDepot park reports gametime conditions of partly cloudy skies with temperatures around 76°F, 52% humidity, 0% chance of precipitation, and no wind (dome influence keeps conditions stable). The enclosed/retractable setup ensures ideal baseball weather with no rain delays possible and minimal impact on fly-ball distance.
Probable Pitchers & Player Matchups
St. Louis Cardinals: RHP Dustin May (2-2, 6.98 ERA, 1.60 WHIP)
May’s surface ERA is elevated, but he has delivered back-to-back quality starts (6 IP, 1 ER each) with improving command. He’ll face a Marlins lineup that scratched out five runs Monday but has been inconsistent offensively overall. St. Louis’s potent bats—led by Jordan Walker (.305/.367 early), Nolan Gorman, and Alec Burleson—will look to capitalize on any early-count mistakes from Paddack.
Miami Marlins: RHP Chris Paddack (0-3, 5.59 ERA, 1.45 WHIP)
Paddack remains winless with 18 strikeouts in 19.1 innings but has surrendered hard contact. He’ll oppose a Cardinals offense that ranks middle-of-the-pack but has shown recent life before Monday’s loss. Miami’s top-of-the-order speed and power (including recent contributors like Agustín Ramírez) must manufacture runs against May’s recent form. Paddack’s home experience gives the Marlins a slight mound edge in a low-scoring dome.
Key Matchups to Watch:
Cardinals power and contact (Walker, Gorman) vs. Paddack’s strikeout stuff and elevated ERA.
Marlins lineup vs. May’s improving command after quality outings.
Bullpen depth: Both sides are thin, making late-inning management pivotal.
Injury Report
St. Louis Cardinals (notable absences):
SP Hunter Dobbins (knee) – 15-day IL, est. return ~Apr 24
RP Matt Pushard (patellar tendinitis) – 15-day IL, est. return ~Apr 24
LF Lars Nootbaar (heel surgery recovery) – 60-day IL, est. return ~May 26
SP Ixan Henderson – 60-day IL, est. return ~May 29
RP Victor Santos – 60-day IL, est. return ~Jun 1
2B Jose Fermin (scratched Tuesday) – day-to-day
Cardinals are managing without key rotation and outfield depth.
Miami Marlins (notable absences):
LF/3B Christopher Morel (left oblique) – 10-day IL, est. return ~Apr 27
Additional depth pieces (e.g., Esteury Ruiz LF oblique, Maximo Acosta SS oblique, SP Adam Mazur elbow) keep the bullpen and lineup thin.
Marlins are relatively healthier positionally but missing impact bats.
Team Records & Recent Form
Cardinals (13-9): Competitive in NL Central (recently 13-8 entering Monday). 6-4 on the road but saw their five-game win streak end with Monday’s 5-3 loss. Strong pitching and timely hitting carried recent success; offense has been middle-pack.
Marlins (11-12): 2nd in NL East race but 9-5 at home. Won Monday to improve form (W1 in last game, 2-3 in prior stretch). Offense has flashed but pitching inconsistencies persist.
Series History
The clubs are in the first of two 2026 series (three games in Miami now, three in St. Louis in June). Miami leads the current set 1-0 after Monday’s victory. Historically, the teams split recent interleague play, but Marlins have owned early 2026 home matchups at loanDepot park.
Betting Trends
Marlins are strong at home (9-5) and have covered as slight favorites recently.
The total has hovered around 8-8.5 in recent series games with mixed starter outcomes.
Cardinals are 6-4 on the road but 1-1 SU in last two after streak snap.
Game Odds
St. Louis Cardinals 8.5
Miami Marlins – 118
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, April 20, 2026
