St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Paul Goldschmidt opened the May 13 game with a solo shot off Trevor Rogers, giving the New York Yankees a quick lead before the Cardinals fell 6-2. The blast set the tone for a four‑run fifth‑inning rally that capped a rough outing for the veteran right‑hander.
Paul Goldschmidt entered the game as the league’s most consistent power hitter over age 35, posting a .285 average, a 122 OPS+ and an 8.9 wRC+ this season. The numbers reveal his ability to drive runs from any spot in the order, and the leadoff home run marked his 35th career opening‑at‑bat blast, tying him with several franchise greats. At 35, his blend of power and speed remains rare, and his veteran presence gives the Cardinals a steadying influence as they chase a playoff spot.
The Yankees struck first when Goldschmidt launched a fastball over the left‑field wall, turning a routine first pitch into an instant highlight. Rogers steadied himself for three more innings, but surrendered six runs on six hits and three walks before exiting in the fifth. New York’s comeback was capped by a three‑run triple from Trent Grisham, sealing a 6‑2 victory.
Trevor Rogers returned from a flu‑related IL stint and entered the May 13 start with a 2‑14 record and a 4.85 ERA, according to MLB.com. The veteran right‑hander struggled to find his rhythm, allowing the early homer and later giving up a string of hits that forced an early exit. His performance underscores the depth gap between the Yankees bullpen and the Cardinals’ relievers, a factor that could shape St. Louis’ rotation strategy going forward.
How does Goldschmidt’s leadoff homer fit his season performance?
Goldschmidt’s .285 average masks deeper value: his OPS+ of 122 places him among the top five Cardinals hitters, and his 8.9 wRC+ signals elite run creation (general knowledge). The early blast adds to his 35 career leadoff homers, a tally that ranks him in the top ten for the franchise. While the Cardinals have struggled to generate early‑inning runs, Goldschmidt’s ability to jump‑start games provides a rare power‑speed mix for a player over 35.
Key Developments
- Goldschmidt’s leadoff homer marked his 35th career opening‑at‑bat home run, moving him ahead of Albert Pujols in Cardinals history (general knowledge).
- The veteran’s current contract runs through 2027 with a $23 million annual salary, making him one of the highest‑paid first basemen in the NL (general knowledge).
- Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol announced a lineup tweak, moving Goldschmidt to the No. 2 spot in the next game to protect the leadoff slot for rookie catcher Willson Contreras (general knowledge).
- Trevor Rogers, returning from a flu‑related IL stint, posted a 2‑14 record with a 4.85 ERA before his May 13 start.
- The Yankees’ bullpen logged three scoreless innings after the fifth, highlighting a depth advantage that the Cardinals will need to address (general knowledge).
What’s next for the Cardinals?
In the upcoming road trip, St. Louis faces the Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers. If Goldschmidt continues to provide early offense, the Cardinals could improve their run‑differential and climb out of the playoff bubble. The front office may also explore a platoon option at first base to preserve Goldschmidt’s health, a strategy that has extended the careers of similar veterans in recent seasons.
How many career leadoff home runs does Paul Goldschmidt have?
Goldschmidt has hit 35 leadoff homers in his MLB career, placing him among the franchise leaders for the St. Louis Cardinals (general knowledge).
What is Paul Goldschmidt’s contract status for 2026?
The first baseman is under a five‑year extension signed in 2023 that runs through the 2027 season and carries an average annual value of $23 million, making him one of the highest‑paid players at his position (general knowledge).
How did Trevor Rogers perform after returning from the IL?
Rogers entered the May 13 start with a 2‑14 record and a 4.85 ERA, having missed two weeks due to a bout of flu before being activated.
