A referendum on the Cardinals’ yearlong commitment to their outfielders came in the final, telling at-bat of the season, and it was planned innings earlier.
Tyler O’Neill, the Cardinals’ earmarked left fielder as far back as spring training, entered Game 3 of the wild-card series to play that position. He covered two innings before his spot in the batting order came around in the ninth inning, with two outs, against San Diego closer Trevor Rosenthal. For the past 12 months, the Cardinals have stressed their eagerness to see what offense they could find internally, what production their young outfielders like O’Neill could provide if given the opportunity.