The 3 Moves That Could Transform Cardinals' Playoff Push

The St. Louis Cardinals had a tough weekend, but there are ways they could improve down the stretch.

May 25, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Brycen Mautz (52) thows a pitch during the sixth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The St. Louis Cardinals just had a back-breaking series against the Philadelphia Phillies over the weekend.

Despite selling off pieces ahead of the trade deadline, the Cardinals have put themselves in a position to be competitive down the stretch for a National League Wild Card spot. The Cardinals were hot entering the Phillies series, including series wins over the Cincinnati Reds, Chicago Cubs, and even a series win over the Phillies earlier in August. But they didn't have the same success over the weekend. The Phillies swept St. Louis and now the Cardinals are 66-66 on the season and are 5 1/2 games out of a playoff spot.

Plus, the Cardinals lost Andre Pallante and Hunter Dobbins to the Injured List. Things have shifted and the vibes aren't high for the club, to say the least. But there are options down in Triple-A who could give the club a spark.

Three options the club should be considering for a late-season promotion as we inch closer to September are catcher Leo Bernal, outfielder Victor Scott II and lefty Brycen Mautz.

The Cardinals Need To Take A Look At Memphis

Mar 7, 2026; Jupiter, Florida, USA; St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Brycen Mautz (52) pitches in the six inning against the New York Mets at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

When it comes to Bernal, he is the team's No. 7 overall prospect and he would give the club an immediate lift behind the plate. Both Jimmy Crooks and Pedro Pagés have struggled offensively. Bernal is slashing .281/.366/.479 with 16 home runs and 77 RBIs. Plus, he's very good defensively. Pairing him with Iván Herrera would give the club a better tandem than they already have.

Scott is someone who could give the club a lift with Everson Pereira now on the Injured List. The Cardinals promoted Ramón Urías in Pereira's place. Urías hasn't played in the outfield throughout his big league career. So, he's not going to replace Pereira. Scott would be a big lift. He's been red-hot down in Triple-A. Since July 26, Scott is slashing .333/.422/.526 with a .948 OPS, two home runs, eight RBIs, 10 stolen bases, five doubles and two triples in 21 games.

Mautz has pitched in 30 games down in Triple-A this season, including 16 starts. Mautz has a 3.81 ERA and an 88-to-64 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 85 innings pitched. The lefty is someone who could give the Cardinals length out of the bullpen. The bullpen has been a weakness in general. Mautz could help to improve it, especially if the club paired him with someone like Kyle Leahy in a piggyback situation.

The rotation has been talked about in a negative way recently because of the injuries. But its a bit overblown. Quinn Mathews is up in the majors and will be a big lift. Plus, Pallante is expected to miss the minimum 15 days. So, soon enough, he'll be back on the mound, barring a setback. The Cardinals don't really need to do anything hasty and go out and sign someone. If the Cardinals promote these three, plus get Pallante back, they'll be just fine.