Derrick Goold

St. Louis Cardinals closer Riley O'Brien speaks with Post-Dispatch baseball writer Derrick Goold before the All-Star Game on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, in Philadelphia.

Cardinals closer hit Tampa Bay infielder on the hand during the third inning of the All-Star Game. X-rays taken at the ballpark were negative, and both exhaled.

Lead baseball writer PHILADELPHIA — With one of the best seats in the house for the best show of All-Star Week, Ivan Herrera described how

Commissioner Rob Manfred and union head Bruce Meyer met with BBWAA members and discussed the salary cap system and 'competitive balance' at core of brewing labor disruption.

St. Louis Cardinals closer Riley O'Brien speaks with Post-Dispatch baseball writer Derrick Goold before the All-Star Game on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, in Philadelphia.

PHILADELPHIA — Cardinals closer Riley O'Brien first searched for the opposing batter he hit with a pitch at the X-ray machine in Citizens Bank Park. Unsuccessful finding Junior Caminero there,

PHOENIX — With a visit to Busch Stadium that included some time on the field Friday and a chance to record a video to fans in the team's clubhouse, the

Lead baseball writer PHILADELPHIA — The biggest question facing the Cardinals as they return from the All-Star break is not whether they'll be a buyer or seller at the trade deadline.

Welcome to the July 17, 2026 edition of The Write Fielder – a weekly newsletter on baseball and the St. Louis Cardinals from the Post-Dispatch. Every Friday, lead baseball writer