Jordan Walker Returns for Cardinals in Series Opener Against Reds

The St. Louis Cardinals are coming off a rare off day on Sunday and hope to be well rested for a pivotal series against the Cincinnati Reds.

The Cardinals (60-58) enter the series just 1.5 games outside the final wildcard spot. With multiple teams in contention surging and winning over 80% of their last ten games, it is important for St. Louis to set the tone early and walk away with a series opening victory on Monday evening.

St. Louis will go with ace Sonny Gray (11-6, 3.65) on Monday as they look to pick up win 61 on the season. Gray is coming off his second straight quality start to begin the month of August. In his last start against the Tampa Bay Rays he allowed two runs across seven innings of work and struck out six batters. This will be the second start of the season against the Reds. Gray will look for a little revenge as his last start against Cincinnati did not go as planned. He allowed six runs (three earned) in a loss on June 29th.

The Reds will start Andrew Abbott (9-9, 3.70 ERA) In his last outing against St. Louis, Abbott tossed five innings and allowed two runs off of two hits. However, this season the Reds pitcher has struggled with allowing the long ball. Abbott leads the National League with 24 homers allowed on the season.

The St. Louis Cardinals have made a series of roster moves before Monday's contest with the Cincinnati Reds. The team announced they have recalled outfielder Jordan Walker from Triple-A Memphis. Cardinals veteran Matt Carpenter is heading to the 10-day injured list with a lower back strain.

Today's Lineups

St. Louis Cardinals
1.) SS Masyn Winn
2.) DH Willson Contreras
3.) LF Tommy Pham
4.) 3B Nolan Arenado
5.) 1B Paul Goldschmidt
6.) 2B Brendan Donovan
7.) RF Jordan Walker
8.) C Pedro Pages
9.) CF Victor Scott II

SP Sonny Gray

Cincinnati Reds
1.) 2B Spencer Steer
2.) SS Elly De La Cruz
3.) C Tyler Stephenson
4.) CF TJ Friedl
5.) DH Jeimer Candelario
6.) 1B Ty France
7.) RF Jake Fraley
8.) 3B Noelvi Marte
9.) LF Will Benson

SP Andrew Abbott

How to Watch

The first pitch is scheduled for 6:40 PM EST for Monday's series opener at Great American Ballpark. The game will be available on Bally Sports Midwest and Bally Sports Ohio. Cardinals fans can listen to the game on KMOX 1120 AM and 98.7 FM.