The Cardinals endured a brutal day at Fenway Park, dropping both games of their doubleheader to the Red Sox. They lost Game 1 in heartbreaking fashion, 5-4 in 10 innings, after All-Star closer Ryan Helsley uncharacteristically lost command. Things got worse in the nightcap, where they were overwhelmed in an 18-7 blowout marked by a barrage of hard contact from Boston.
But the most significant setback didn’t come on the scoreboard—it came with an injury. veteran star, who made franchise history just days earlier by becoming the first Cardinals catcher to hit three home runs in a game, left the second game after injuring his left knee in the third inning. The injury occurred when his knee appeared to give out as he made a quick move off third base on a foul pop. He had to be helped off the field by trainers.
He later left the ballpark for additional testing, but there was some relief in the clubhouse, as he was moving around better later in the evening. According to team president John Mozeliak, early results were encouraging, and the team is optimistic that the injury isn’t serious. He was diagnosed with knee irritation and is expected to be placed on the 10-day injured list on Monday.
To replace the injured Iván Herrera, the Cardinals will call up 27-year-old catcher Yohel Pozo, who signed a minor league deal with the team this offseason. Pozo, last seen in the majors with the Texas Rangers in 2021, will join the Cardinals in Pittsburgh.
Herrera’s injury is a tough blow, especially given his recent breakout at the plate. Starter Andre Pallante, who worked with Herrera early in Game 1, expressed hope that the young catcher’s absence will be short-lived. “It sucks to see Iván go down like that because he’s been hitting so well,” Pallante said. “Hopefully he’ll be back for us pretty soon—maybe even [Monday] … you never know.”
The 24-year-old Panamanian had been on a tear offensively, appearing to solidify himself as a rising offensive force in the Cardinals lineup. Heading into Sunday, Herrera’s four home runs and 11 RBIs ranked second among National League catchers, and his 1.555 OPS led the league. Since the start of the 2024 season, his .482 slugging percentage and 143 wRC+ were tops among all catchers with at least 200 plate appearances.
“He’s been really impressive,” manager Oliver Marmol said. “It doesn’t matter who’s on the mound—he’s taking professional at-bats, staying on the ball, and using the whole field.” Marmol cited Herrera’s ability to go opposite field as well as pull power, calling his approach at the plate “mature and advanced.”
As the Cardinals absorbed a lopsided Game 2 loss, Marmol later told ESPN that the team had received encouraging news on Herrera’s status, offering hope that the injury won’t sideline him for long.
“Everything came back clean, which is good,” Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said regarding Iván Herrera’s knee injury. “It could have been a lot worse. So, he’ll miss some time, but we’re definitely not looking at anything serious. He’ll go on the IL, but it could have been a bad situation.”
In the meantime, the Cardinals will lean more heavily on Pedro Pagés to handle the catching duties. Pagés has made the most of his opportunities since arriving in the majors, and his performance in Game 1 on Sunday further cemented that narrative. He delivered a strong showing at the plate, recording two doubles and matching a career-high with three RBIs. His ability to step up in crucial moments has been a bright spot for the club amid a tough stretch.
Just over a year ago, Pedro Pagés made his MLB debut under unusual circumstances—taking an Uber to the stadium after a delayed flight from Indianapolis to St. Louis threatened to make him late. Now in his second stint with the Cardinals, made possible by Willson Contreras’ arm injury, Pagés is once again seizing the moment. He memorably homered against the Cubs on Father’s Day last season with his dad watching from behind home plate, and he’s continued to deliver in big spots.
In Game 1 of Sunday’s doubleheader, Pagés tied the game in the sixth inning with a two-strike bloop double to right field. Then in the eighth, he showcased his power, turning on a 95.4 mph fastball and smashing it off the iconic Green Monster. The 383-foot rocket left his bat at 103.6 mph, according to Statcast.
“[Pagés] is a guy who takes pride in that [preparation], and even when he’s not catching, he’s prepared for the lineup and watches closely,” said manager Oliver Marmol, praising the young catcher’s focus and work ethic.
Pagés’ performance helped the Cardinals take a 4-2 lead into the ninth, but that edge slipped away when All-Star closer Ryan Helsley uncharacteristically struggled. He walked four batters and allowed two earned runs, resulting in his first blown save of the season. A year ago, Helsley set a franchise record with 49 saves in just 53 chances, making Sunday’s stumble all the more surprising.