Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Nolan Arenado returned to Busch Stadium on Monday, June 22, 2026, to face his former team, the St. Louis Cardinals, in a four-game series.
The matchup follows his offseason trade to Arizona in exchange for pitching prospect Jack Martinez, concluding his five-season tenure in St. Louis.
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According to MLB.
com, the Cardinals currently hold the first National League Wild Card position, while the Diamondbacks trail the Chicago Cubs by one game for the final postseason spot.
Arenado reflected on his return and how his perspective has evolved over his career.
"Being 35 now [helps]," joked Arenado.
He noted that his previous return to Colorado in 2021 felt unusual after spending eight years with the Rockies, but he intends to appreciate his current milestone.
"I'm a little older now, so I'll be OK. In '21, it was kind of a weird moment, obviously being there [in Colorado] for eight years.
I'm gonna take it in. I know I'm coming toward the end.
Back then in Colorado, I didn't really take it in as much. Here I probably will just because it means a little different here.
I'm really excited for the game to start," said Arenado.
Arenado acknowledged that he previously placed excessive pressure on himself during his time with the Cardinals, which impacted his ability to enjoy his accomplishments.
"I think that's kind of the mistake I made," acknowledged Arenado.
