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.
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.
He expressed regret over internalizing the blame for team losses regardless of his individual performance on the field.
"If I didn't drive the runs in, I'd feel like we were gonna lose, like it's my fault, even though I might've hit a home run early in the game or something … just stuff like that that I should've never [done]," said Arenado.
Looking back at the 2023 season, Arenado recalled how the team struggled to replicate their success from the prior year.
"The expectations going into [2023] were still really high after '22, and we didn't live up to it," said Arenado.
He explained that the difficult start to that season increased his self-imposed expectations to correct the team's trajectory.
"The season was bad from the jump, and so I put a lot of pressure on myself, because if I turned a thing around, or it was my fault why those things were happening.
So I wish I didn't do that, if I could go back," said Arenado.
Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol shared his observations on how the third baseman has developed a deeper perspective on his career over time.
"It's more understanding and appreciative of how this all works," said Oliver Marmol.
Marmol emphasized that advancing in a career allows a player to process their experiences and recognize the community's valuation of their efforts.
"Being able to take a step back and actually take some of that in as you get older and further in your career and actually understand the meaning behind all of it, and people just appreciating what you bring to the table over the years," said Marmol.
The St. Louis manager expressed hope that the fans at Busch Stadium would deliver a warm welcome to honor Arenado's extended dedication.
"I hope people understand the sacrifice it takes to be that good for that long," said Marmol.
Marmol concluded by emphasizing the intense preparation required to compete at the highest level every season.
"Even in years where it doesn't go your way, the amount of work that takes place in order to at least try to get there.
My hope is one, the reception is strong; and two, that he's able to take a moment and take it in a little bit," said Marmol.
Arizona manager Torey Lovullo highlighted how the Diamondbacks actively utilize the veteran's deep baseball knowledge and leadership during the season.
"We tap into his expertise whenever we can," said Torey Lovullo.
Lovullo added that the coaching staff consults Arenado regarding daily field conditions, opponents, and navigating a long season as a .
500 team.
"We ask questions about certain things, like the field today, the opposition today. What's been your experience in these moments when you're treading water, you're a .
500 team, how do you get over the top?
We go into his mind a little bit, the best way we can, and he's so gracious with the time that he'll give us," said Lovullo.
