Story perspectives

Marmol's 40th Birthday Win as Cardinals Rout Braves

7/3/2026

Summary

Cardinals Crush Braves

The St. Louis Cardinals beat the Atlanta Braves 11-5 on Thursday night.
Jordan Walker opened the game with a three-run, 396-foot homer, his first since June 13.
After starter Dustin May left with a right-ankle contusion, relievers JoJo Romero, George Soriano, Justin Bruihl and Gordon Graceffo held Atlanta scoreless for seven innings.
Oliver Marmol earned the win on his 40th birthday.
Andre Pallante will start the next series against the Chicago Cubs.

Summary

Cardinals Announce Rebuild

John Mozeliak and Chaim Bloom declared 2026 a full rebuild after trading prior core.
Walker ranks in ninth percentile for outs above average and 12th percentile for defensive run value despite his offensive rise.
The club expects outfielder Joshua Baez to be called up, joining prospects Ryan Mitchell and Masyn Winn.
The organization admits a third-base void, with Blaze Jordan the only immediate prospect while scouting for long-term options continues.

History

Historical Context

In 1992 the Cardinals cut payroll, trading Ozzie Smith to the San Diego Padres for $1 million; attendance fell 12 percent to 2.1 million and the team went 83-79, third in the NL East. Echoing that fire-sale, GM John Mozeliak and President Chaim Bloom announced a 2024 rebuild, trading veterans and promoting Jordan Walker and Blaze Jordan, recalling the early-2000s turnaround that yielded the 2006 World Series title.

1 of 3

Cardinals Crush Braves

The St. Louis Cardinals beat the Atlanta Braves 11-5 on Thursday night.
Jordan Walker opened the game with a three-run, 396-foot homer, his first since June 13.
After starter Dustin May left with a right-ankle contusion, relievers JoJo Romero, George Soriano, Justin Bruihl and Gordon Graceffo held Atlanta scoreless for seven innings.
Oliver Marmol earned the win on his 40th birthday.
Andre Pallante will start the next series against the Chicago Cubs.

1 / 3