MLB Game Preview: Arizona Diamondbacks (40-39) vs. St. Louis Cardinals (42-35)

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St. Louis Cardinals logo

ST. LOUIS – The Arizona Diamondbacks continue their road trip Wednesday night when they face the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium, with Cade Bratt set to start for Arizona against Matthew Liberatore for St. Louis. First pitch is scheduled for 7:45 p.m. CT.

Arizona enters at 40–39, looking to climb above .500 and stay in the NL Wild Card mix. St. Louis, at 42–35, has surged into contention behind improved pitching and a strong June stretch.

Venue

Busch Stadium — St. Louis, Missouri

First pitch: 7:45 p.m. CT

Surface: Natural grass

Dimensions: 336–400–335 (pitcher‑friendly, especially at night)

Weather

  • Temperature: 82°F
  • Wind: 6 mph blowing in from right
  • Humidity: 70%
  • Chance of rain: 15%

Conditions favor pitchers, especially left‑handers.

Probable Pitchers

Arizona: LHP Cade Bratt

Bratt has shown promise in his rookie campaign, leaning on a deceptive fastball and a sharp changeup. He has allowed three runs or fewer in four of his last six starts but has struggled with walks at times. This will be his first career appearance at Busch Stadium.

St. Louis: LHP Matthew Liberatore

Liberatore has been one of St. Louis’ most improved arms, featuring a refined curveball and better fastball command. He has been particularly effective at home, where he has posted a sub‑3.50 ERA and limited left‑handed hitters to minimal damage.

Injury Report

Arizona Diamondbacks

  • Corbin Carroll — ACTIVE
  • Ketel Marte — ACTIVE
  • Christian Walker — ACTIVE
  • Merrill Kelly — OUT (shoulder)
  • Gabriel Moreno — OUT (thumb)

St. Louis Cardinals

  • Paul Goldschmidt — ACTIVE
  • Nolan Arenado — ACTIVE
  • Lars Nootbaar — OUT (oblique)
  • Tommy Edman — OUT (wrist)
  • Steven Matz — OUT (back)

Team Records & Recent Form

Arizona Diamondbacks (40–39)

  • Last 10: 5–5
  • Trend: Offense improving; pitching inconsistent
  • Strength: Top‑of‑order production, team speed
  • Weakness: Bullpen volatility, road performance

St. Louis Cardinals (42–35)

  • Last 10: 7–3
  • Trend: Pitching stabilizing; lineup heating up
  • Strength: Veteran middle‑order, home‑field advantage
  • Weakness: Depth issues due to injuries

Key Player Matchups

Corbin Carroll (ARI) vs Matthew Liberatore (STL)

Carroll’s speed and ability to hit left‑handers make him Arizona’s most important bat. Liberatore’s curveball will be the deciding pitch.

Paul Goldschmidt (STL) vs Cade Bratt (ARI)

Goldschmidt has long dominated left‑handed pitching. Bratt must keep the ball down to avoid damage in the power alleys.

Ketel Marte (ARI) vs Cardinals Bullpen

Marte’s switch‑hitting ability gives Arizona a major advantage late in games against St. Louis’ right‑handed relievers.

Series History

  • Season series: Cardinals lead 2–1
  • At Busch Stadium: St. Louis has won 7 of last 10
  • Recent trend: Cardinals have outscored Arizona 25–17 across their last six meetings

Betting Trends

Arizona Diamondbacks

  • 3–7 in last 10 road games
  • Over has hit in 6 of last 9
  • 2–4 in Bratt’s last six starts

St. Louis Cardinals

  • 6–1 in last seven home games
  • Under has hit in 5 of last 7
  • 5–2 in Liberatore’s last seven starts

Game Odds

Arizona Diamondbacks                 9

St. Louis Cardinals                           – 113

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, June 23, 2026

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