The St. Louis Cardinals have been dealt a tough blow late in the 2025 season with the loss of shortstop Masyn Winn for the remainder of the regular season. Winn, who had been one of the team’s most reliable defenders, is dealing with a knee injury that has not progressed well. The team later confirmed he has a torn meniscus in his right knee and will undergo arthroscopic surgery, officially ending his season.

Winn’s absence is significant, as he had been a bright spot in an otherwise inconsistent year for St. Louis. He played in 129 games, batting .253 with 9 home runs and 51 RBIs. His defense stood out even more — he committed only three errors all season and led all MLB shortstops with a .994 fielding percentage, showcasing his value beyond just the stat sheet.

In response to the injury, the Cardinals placed Winn on the injured list and recalled José Fermín from Triple-A Memphis to help fill the void. Fermín is expected to take on utility infield duties as the Cardinals try to finish the season strong. Though not a one-for-one replacement in terms of impact, Fermín brings some versatility and energy to the roster.

Meanwhile, another key piece of the Cardinals’ lineup, Willson Contreras, is battling his own health concerns. The veteran catcher and first baseman left Monday night’s game against the Reds after experiencing soreness in his right bicep. It was evident during the game that Contreras was in discomfort, and he was promptly removed for precautionary reasons.

After the game, Contreras addressed the media and admitted the soreness had been bothering him for some time. He said the issue had worsened recently and described the muscle as “tired,” especially following his return from a short suspension. The Cardinals medical staff is currently monitoring him closely and providing daily treatment.

Contreras is officially listed as day-to-day, and the team is being cautious with how they handle his workload moving forward. While there are no immediate plans for a stint on the injured list, the Cardinals won’t hesitate to rest him if needed. His presence in the lineup has been a critical part of the offense this season, both in terms of power and leadership.

With both Winn out and Contreras potentially limited, the Cardinals’ depth will be tested during the final stretch of the season. Though their playoff hopes are slim, maintaining competitiveness and evaluating young talent will be a priority. For now, the team remains hopeful that Contreras can return quickly, even as they prepare to finish the season without their standout shortstop.