Arozarena’s Homecoming Collides with Cards’ Momentum
The Cardinal Chronicle
Arozarena’s Homecoming Collides with Cardinals’ Momentum
St. Louis, MO
By Ray Mileur
ST. LOUIS — There are nights on the baseball calendar that feel just a little different. Friday night at Busch Stadium is one of them.
Former Cardinal Randy Arozarena returns to St. Louis—this time in Seattle gray—as the St. Louis Cardinals open a three-game interleague series against the Seattle Mariners.
The Cardinals (14-10) come in playing steady baseball, while Seattle (11-15) arrives searching for answers on the road.
The Basics
Date: Friday, April 24, 2026
First Pitch: 7:15 p.m. CT
Venue: Busch Stadium, St. Louis, MO
Broadcast Information:
Television (Cardinals): Cardinals.TV / KMOV-4
Radio (Cardinals): KMOX 1120 AM / 104.1 FM
Spanish Radio: WIJR 880 AM
Television (Mariners): Mariners.TV
Radio (Mariners): Seattle Sports 710 AM
Streaming: MLB.TV (out-of-market)
The Matchup: Kirby vs. Pallante
Seattle hands the ball to George Kirby, one of the most efficient arms in the game. He attacks the zone, limits walks, and forces hitters to earn everything. His 2.97 ERA and 1.05 WHIP reflect a pitcher who rarely beats himself.
The Cardinals counter with Andre Pallante, a ground-ball specialist whose success depends on command. When he’s around the zone, he keeps the ball on the dirt and works quickly. When he’s not, the walks become an issue—and that’s been the early-season concern.
Simple equation tonight: Kirby controls… Pallante manages.
The Storyline: A Familiar Face
Arozarena’s return adds a layer you can’t script.
Signed and developed by St. Louis, he now comes back as an established All-Star. It’s a reminder of how the game works—talent moves, players evolve, and sometimes the story comes full circle.
The Cardinals will tip their cap before first pitch.
After that, he’s just another dangerous hitter in the box.
Trends and Temperature
The Cardinals have gone 6-4 in their last 10 and remain a tough out at Busch (7-5 at home). Even with the series loss in Miami, they’ve shown they can compete with anyone when the offense is clicking.
Right now, that offense is being driven by Jordan Walker.
Walker has been locked in at home—.318 average, four home runs, and an OPS over 1.000. He’s not just hot, he’s dangerous.
Seattle, meanwhile, has struggled to find rhythm—especially on the road (1-8). There’s power in the lineup with names like Cal Raleigh and Luke Raley, but consistency has been missing.
Injury Report
The Cardinals remain without Lars Nootbaar, who continues to recover from heel surgery.
Seattle is also shorthanded, including former Cardinal Brendan Donovan, who will miss this series with a groin injury.
Keys to the Game
Cardinals:
Get to Kirby early before he settles in
Ride Walker’s hot bat
Limit walks and trust the defense behind Pallante
Mariners:
Let Kirby dictate pace
Set the table at the top of the order
Turn Arozarena’s return into production
Final Word
The Cardinals are the steadier club right now.
The Mariners have the better starter tonight.
That usually means one thing—this game will be decided late.
And with both bullpens rested coming off an off-day, don’t be surprised if this one comes down to who executes in the final three outs.
The Cardinal Chronicle, in association with Gateway Sports