Overview

• Back from a right shoulder strain that sidelined him from July 31 to Sept. 15, Arenado has five RBIs in his first four games, including a three-run double in Friday’s 7-1 win over Milwaukee that moved St. Louis to 75-79.
• The 34-year-old is batting .234 with 10 home runs and 45 RBIs, tracking near career lows after missing nearly 40 games.
• Arenado said he arrives at the ballpark mindful this could be his last home series in St. Louis and wants to finish with quality at-bats and defense.
• He remains under contract for three more years and holds a full no-trade clause, having previously limited destinations and reportedly nixed a deal that was close.
• Trade buzz is expected this winter as the Cardinals pivot to younger, lower-cost options and transition leadership from John Mozeliak to incoming president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom, with an already crowded infield adding to the uncertainty.