Bloom's Rebuild Faces Offseason Execution, Retention and Front-Office Turnover Test
Key Questions
What was the outcome of the Cardinals' July 26 game against the Reds?
The Cardinals lost 5-3 to the Reds on July 26, dropping their record to 52-52 and falling 12 games back in the division.
How is the Cardinals' bullpen performing recently?
The bullpen has struggled, with Soriano surrendering a go-ahead homer in the previous game and the team dropping a Sunday contest in extra innings.
What positive developments occurred in the Cardinals-Reds series?
A 7-0 win featured Iván Herrera's mechanical adjustment at the plate and strong pitching from Andre Pallante, providing a bright spot amid the losses.
Where do the Cardinals stand in the Wild Card race?
The Wild Card race remains tight, with the team sitting just 1.5 games out of the third Wild Card spot a week before the Trade Deadline.
Who are the Cardinals scheduled to face next?
The team is preparing to face the Angels following the series against the Reds.
After a 77-85 finish, Bloom says a serious contention push may be two or three years away. The Nov. 20 tender deadline remains a key test with no reported decisions, and Houston’s reported interest in assistant GM Randy Flores has no confirmed interview, offer or departure. Brown’s departure as hitting coach is reaffirmed; no replacement is named, and Marmol job-security talk remains commentary rather than a club plan.