Goldschmidt had started the first 30 games for the Cardinals and played 265 of the club’s first 267 innings this season. In his place, Matt Carpenter played first base and for the first time since April 19, 2018, and hit No. 3 in the lineup. Goldschmidt pinch-hit with the bases loaded and two outs in the eight with the Cardinals trailing 2-1 and struck out against Sean Doolittle on a controversial check-swing call. Washington won by that score.
“The best way I’d equate it is if you watch any quarterback and head coach, you’re going to see a dialogue, right?