Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol reveals why Tyler O’Neill was left out of Monday lineup

For those looking to read more into the recent drama in the St. Louis Cardinals clubhouse surrounding Tyler O’Neill, Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol has a simple explanation for his absence in Monday’s lineup.

As the Cardinals continue their road trip with a three-game series in Denver against the Colorado Rockies, much of focus when the lineup came out was around O’Neill and if he would be playing on Monday.

After a much-discussed lobbing of words between Marmol and O’Neill about a perceived lack of effort in a recent loss to the Atlanta Braves, O’Neill has still started the season on a solid foot, slashing .267/.313/.367 in 32 plate appearances.

However, Marmol gave O’Neill a day off to rest on Monday for several reasons.

Cardinals: Why Tyler O’Neill isn’t starting on Monday against the Rockies

“When you look at the combination of things that one, yes, rest, and (Dylan) Carlson has been extremely patient and has done a really nice job of waiting for an opportunity,” Marmol told reporters before Monday’s game. “In this park, I think it’s a great opportunity for him to be in center field.”

O’Neill has started and played each of the last three games, all in Milwaukee against the Brewers.

Here is the St. Louis lineup on Monday.

Marmol also mentioned that reigning National League MVP Paul Goldschmidt would serve as the team’s designated hitter as part of a plan that has been in the works for some time.

“We had it planned a week ago where Nolan (Arenado) was going to take the DH day yesterday and then (Goldschmidt) takes the DH day today,” Marmol said.

Arenado enters Monday’s game nearing a milestone in the stadium he called home for eight seasons before being traded to the Cardinals in 2021. He is one homer away from having the third most at Coors ever.