St. Louis Cardinals News & Updates

Zack Thompson's injury woes continue to haunt the Cardinals as he is still working back from a torn lat muscle that sidelined him for all of 2025. With the left-handed pitcher expected to gradually ramp up his workload this spring, the Cardinals remain optimistic about his potential impact. Yet, with the uncertainty surrounding his recovery, the team may need to bolster their rotation depth sooner rather than later.

Adding to the injury concerns, prospect Ixan Henderson is dealing with a left flexor strain, which is a setback for a player who showcased promise last season. The Cardinals had hoped to see him build on his breakout performance, but now his availability for the start of the season is in question. This raises concerns about the overall depth of the pitching staff as they head into spring training, where every inning counts.

Meanwhile, former Cardinal Shelby Miller has inked a deal with the Cubs, further intensifying the rivalry. The loss of Miller stings for St. Louis fans who remember his early promise and achievements. It also highlights the importance of player development and retention as the Cardinals seek to advance in the competitive NL Central.

Looking ahead, the focus will shift to the upcoming full-squad workouts, where younger pitchers like Tink Hence can show they belong in the discussion. Hence has acknowledged his dip in rankings, but he has the talent to rebound quickly. The Cardinals will need him and other prospects to step up if they want to regain momentum in 2026.