CINCINNATI -- As they exited the All-Star break with a new manager and still without a clear identity, the Cardinals eyed their just-completed road trip as a litmus test. The front office hoped the eight games against division opponents to open the second half would dictate their direction heading into next week's non-waiver Trade Deadline.
Though the Wild Card remains in play, changes meant to reposition the Cardinals better for 2019 may come after they slid back to .500 with a 7-3 loss to the Reds on Wednesday afternoon at Great American Ball Park, capping a 3-5 trip through Chicago and Cincinnati.