Given the depleted state of their starting rotation, it’s hard to imagine the Cardinals mounting a big September push.
But thanks to the San Diego Padres' collapse and the Cincinnati Reds' lull, the Cardinals still have a chance.
The Padres allowed the Reds to move into the second wild card slot, one game ahead of them. For all of their woes the Cardinals are just 3½ games back of the Reds as they head to Pittsburgh for a four-game set.
Their mathematical vital signs remain strong despite their unsightly play on their last homestand.
The Padres gave it their all against the Los Angeles Dodgers Wednesday night into Thursday morning.