The Cardinals will start Rangel Ravelo at first base and batting third on his first day back from the minors. That allows Goldschmidt to get a breather during a series that has been a grind. Goldschmidt singled twice in Friday's game and he had a sacrifice fly during the Cardinals' 10-run inning, but otherwise he's been quieted by the Reds. He's two-for-11 with seven strikeouts. He had a four-strikeout game Thursday, and on Saturday went oh-for-three with runners in scoring position.
Shildt said that it was the "perfect timing" for a day off for Goldschmidt. The team planned to bring Ravelo back at some point to make the bench was stocked with another bat.