With the calendar turning over to July, the Cardinals find themselves one game back from the division lead and eight games over .500. It's the team's best winning percentage and win total to date since 2015 despite the late start to the season.
The Cardinals find themselves in the midst of injury issues and the grind of the season. With 13 players on various forms of the injury list or being rested due to injuries, organizational depth is being challenged. With opportunities abounding for players to prove they deserve more chances, this series with a Phillies club who has rebounded after a difficult stretch — and reigning World Series Champions in the Atlanta Braves — may help provide needed perspective on the depth of the Cardinals.