Arenado Scratched With Back Spasms, Trade Rumors Quelled

St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado was scratched from the lineup just before Wednesday's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates due to back spasms, not because of a pending trade, as confirmed by Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The late removal initially led to widespread speculation given ongoing trade rumors. Nolan Gorman replaced Arenado at third base, prompting a lineup reshuffle. Arenado is considered day-to-day, and the team provided him extra rest with a scheduled off day. The move comes as the Cardinals look to protect Arenado's health ahead of a nine-game road trip. The incident underscores heightened awareness about Arenado’s status as the Cardinals work to improve in the National League Central.