Arizona Diamondbacks vs St. Louis Cardinals Picks, Prediction, Odds, and Line Movement for Wednesday June 24 2026
Use Code WWWC The Arizona Diamondbacks and St. Louis Cardinals prepare for an exciting midweek clash at Busch Stadium on June 24, 2026, with both teams looking to gain control of this important four-game series. This complete preview breaks down the starting-pitching matchup, analyzes the best available odds, and delivers our expert betting picks and top MLB player props for Wednesday night's contest.
Best Available Odds
Best Moneyline Odds: Arizona Diamondbacks (+100 at BetMGM) / St. Louis Cardinals (-116 at FanDuel)
Best Spread Odds: Arizona Diamondbacks -1.5 (+159 at BetMGM) / St. Louis Cardinals +1.5 (-190 at BetMGM)
Best Total Odds: Over 9.0 (-110 at DraftKings) / Under 9.0 (-110 at DraftKings)
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Game Info
Date: Wednesday, June 24, 2026
Time: 7:45 PM EDT
Location: Busch Stadium, St. Louis, MO
TV: D-backs.TV, Cardinals.TV Presented by bet365
Weather: Approximately 80 degrees with high humidity, light wind, and a moderate chance of passing showers
Arizona Diamondbacks vs St. Louis Cardinals Preview
The Arizona Diamondbacks enter Wednesday at 40-39 after defeating St. Louis 4-3 during Tuesday's second game of the series. Arizona responded after losing Monday's opener 3-2 and has an opportunity to move two games above .500 with another road victory.
Tuesday's game remained scoreless through eight innings before Arizona finally broke through against the St. Louis bullpen. Gabriel Moreno opened the rally with a single, Pavin Smith walked, and former Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado delivered the first run with a double.
Lourdes Gurriel Jr. followed with a two-run single before Arizona added another run on a passed ball. The four-run rally gave the Diamondbacks enough separation to survive a difficult bottom of the ninth.
Paul Sewald allowed three runs and failed to complete the inning. Alec Burleson produced an RBI double, Blaze Jordan added a sacrifice fly, and Jimmy Crooks pulled St. Louis within one before Brandyn Garcia recorded the final out.
The victory ended Arizona's three-game losing streak. It also demonstrated the team's ability to remain competitive during a game in which its offense produced very little before the final inning.
The Diamondbacks have scored 337 runs this season while batting approximately .238 with a .309 on-base percentage and .383 slugging percentage. Those full-season numbers are below St. Louis in each major offensive category.
Arizona's lineup becomes more dangerous against left-handed pitching. Ketel Marte, Geraldo Perdomo, Gabriel Moreno, Arenado, and Gurriel can all attack from the right side or switch to their stronger matchup against Matthew Liberatore.
Marte remains Arizona's most complete hitter. He combines contact, power, plate discipline, and the ability to produce from either side of the plate.
The second baseman has been especially effective against left-handed pitching. His recent hard-contact and extra-base-hit production against southpaws make him one of the clearest matchup advantages in Wednesday's lineup.
Corbin Carroll gives Arizona another elite offensive threat. Although he will hit from the same side as Liberatore, Carroll's speed, power, and ability to drive pitches into the gaps prevent the Cardinals from treating him as an automatic platoon out.
Perdomo has also improved into a dependable top-of-the-order hitter. He can extend plate appearances, reach base through walks or contact, and create immediate pressure with his baserunning.
Moreno collected the hit that started Tuesday's ninth-inning rally. He enters batting approximately .276 with six home runs and an OPS above .800.
The catcher has become increasingly important because Arizona's lineup has dealt with injuries and inconsistent production near the bottom of the order. His ability to make contact gives the Diamondbacks another hitter capable of punishing Liberatore's high WHIP.
Arenado returns to another favourable matchup against his former club. He delivered the most important hit Tuesday and should again receive opportunities with runners aboard if Marte, Perdomo, Carroll, or Moreno reaches base.
Gurriel provides another right-handed hitter against Liberatore. His aggressive approach can be vulnerable against pitchers who expand the strike zone, but Liberatore has struggled to consistently finish hitters or keep traffic off the bases.
Arizona enters with several significant pitching injuries. Michael Soroka was recently placed on the injured list with a glute strain, while Ryne Nelson is sidelined by an elbow injury.
Jordan Lawlar is also unavailable after suffering a hamstring strain. His absence reduces Arizona's speed and defensive flexibility.
The rotation injuries directly created Wednesday's opportunity for Mitch Bratt. Arizona needs the rookie to provide competitive innings because the club has already relied heavily on replacement starters and relievers.
The Diamondbacks bullpen owns an ERA around 4.24. Kevin Ginkel, Juan Morillo, Taylor Clarke, Garcia, and Sewald remain the primary late-game options.
Ginkel worked a clean inning Tuesday, while Sewald and Garcia handled the ninth. Sewald's difficult appearance may influence how Arizona manages another late lead Wednesday.
The St. Louis Cardinals enter at 42-35 and remain second in the NL Central. They won the series opener behind Andre Pallante before falling short during Tuesday's late rally.
St. Louis has scored 355 runs while batting approximately .249 with a .328 on-base percentage and .399 slugging percentage. The Cardinals also hold a substantial home-run advantage over Arizona, entering with 87 compared with the Diamondbacks' 69.
Jordan Walker has developed into the leading power threat in the St. Louis lineup. He enters batting around .290 with a team-leading slugging percentage above .520.
Walker should receive the platoon advantage against Bratt. His combination of fastball damage and extra-base power makes him the most dangerous matchup for the rookie left-hander.
Iván Herrera provides another important right-handed hitter. Herrera leads St. Louis in on-base percentage and can force Bratt to work inside the strike zone before reaching Walker and the middle of the order.
JJ Wetherholt has added athleticism and contact near the top of the lineup. The rookie has contributed through hitting, defense, and baserunning while becoming one of the central players in the Cardinals' improved offense.
Lars Nootbaar remains an important left-handed presence. The same-handed matchup with Bratt may reduce his advantage during the opening innings, but Nootbaar's plate discipline can still test a pitcher making his major-league debut.
Burleson delivered the biggest hit of Tuesday's ninth-inning rally. He enters batting approximately .288 with 13 home runs, 20 doubles, and a slugging percentage close to .500.
The platoon matchup is less favourable for Burleson because he has performed substantially better against right-handed pitching. St. Louis may move him lower in the order or surround him with right-handed hitters against Bratt.
Nelson Velázquez and Blaze Jordan provide additional right-handed power. Both should receive opportunities to attack a rookie whose fastball generally operates in the low 90s rather than overpowering hitters through pure velocity.
Masyn Winn is day-to-day after being scratched Tuesday with left thumb irritation. His availability remains important because he gives St. Louis another contact hitter and strong defensive option in the middle infield.
The Cardinals bullpen owns an ERA around 4.43. The unit has been inconsistent despite receiving useful performances from George Soriano, JoJo Romero, and closer Riley O'Brien.
Matt Svanson allowed Arizona's decisive rally Tuesday and now carries an ERA above seven. St. Louis may attempt to avoid using him in another high-leverage situation.
O'Brien did not pitch Tuesday after recording the save Monday. He should be available if the Cardinals carry a narrow lead into the ninth inning.
Starting Pitchers and Pitching Matchup
The Diamondbacks will start 22-year-old left-hander Mitch Bratt, who is making his major-league debut.
Bratt arrives after producing a 1-1 record, 2.84 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, and 42 strikeouts across 44.1 innings for Triple-A Reno.
He issued only 12 walks during those 11 starts. His strikeout-to-walk ratio demonstrates the control that has become the foundation of his prospect profile.
Bratt does not rely on premium velocity. His fastball generally sits around 90 to 93 mph, but he can locate it near the top of the strike zone and create difficult angles for hitters.
He complements the fastball with a slider, cutter, curveball, and changeup. The ability to command several pitches allows him to keep hitters from sitting on one speed or location.
Bratt generated a 29.3% strikeout rate during the 2025 Double-A season. His strikeout production has declined slightly in Triple-A, but his control has remained strong.
The largest concern is workload rather than minor-league performance. Bratt recently returned from an injured-list stint caused by inflammation in his back or shoulder area.
He threw only 48 pitches across four innings during his return appearance. Bratt allowed two runs but demonstrated enough health and command for Arizona to promote him.
The Diamondbacks are unlikely to ask him to suddenly throw 90 or 100 pitches. A workload closer to four or five innings is more realistic.
That limitation makes Arizona's bullpen an essential part of the handicap. Even a successful debut may leave the Diamondbacks needing 12 to 15 outs from their relievers.
Bratt should benefit from unfamiliarity during the first trip through the order. No active Cardinals hitter has faced him in a major-league game.
His command gives him a chance to avoid the early walks that frequently damage debuting pitchers. Bratt has consistently limited free baserunners throughout his minor-league career.
The matchup is not comfortable. St. Louis can use Herrera, Walker, Velázquez, Jordan, and potentially Winn from the right side.
Walker represents the greatest threat. His bat speed allows him to handle velocity, while Bratt's lower fastball speed reduces the rookie's margin for error inside the strike zone.
Herrera can make the assignment more difficult by extending at-bats and forcing Bratt to reveal his pitch mix early. If Herrera reaches base, Walker and the middle of the order will receive opportunities with traffic.
St. Louis has gone 12-7 against left-handed starters. The Cardinals have not dominated every southpaw statistically, but the roster contains enough right-handed production to create a difficult debut environment.
Bratt's most important task is keeping the ball inside Busch Stadium. He needs to locate his fastball above barrels and use the slider or cutter to prevent Walker, Jordan, and Velázquez from extending their arms.
The Cardinals will counter with left-hander Matthew Liberatore, who enters at 3-4 with a 5.23 ERA, 1.56 WHIP, and 67 strikeouts across 72.1 innings.
Liberatore has allowed 86 hits, 27 walks, and 15 home runs. Opponents are batting approximately .294 against him.
His 1.56 WHIP is one of the most concerning numbers in the matchup. Liberatore has regularly placed runners aboard through both hits and walks.
Home runs have created another major problem. His rate is close to two homers per nine innings, limiting his ability to escape trouble after allowing early traffic.
Liberatore is coming off his worst start of the season. Kansas City scored seven runs, five earned, against him in only 1.2 innings.
He allowed seven hits and one home run while recording two strikeouts. St. Louis was forced into its bullpen before the second inning had ended.
The start continued a difficult June. Liberatore has allowed 12 earned runs, 16 hits, and five home runs across 10.1 innings during his last three appearances.
His previous starts against Minnesota and Cincinnati were also abbreviated. Liberatore completed only 4.1 innings in each and allowed four runs against the Twins and three earned runs against the Reds.
He has not completed six innings since late May. The Cardinals must therefore prepare for another significant bullpen workload.
Liberatore has demonstrated occasional upside. He held the Cubs scoreless across 5.1 innings on May 31 and recorded 10 strikeouts against Milwaukee one start earlier.
Those performances show that he can produce swings and misses when his slider and curveball are located properly. His season-long command and contact numbers indicate that those outings have been exceptions rather than the established pattern.
Arizona presents an especially difficult matchup because the Diamondbacks can place several right-handed or switch-hitting batters near the top of the lineup.
Marte should bat first and can attack from the right side. His recent numbers against left-handed pitching include elite hard-contact and extra-base production.
Perdomo can also turn around to the right side. He has reached base consistently and already owns limited career success against Liberatore.
Moreno, Arenado, Gurriel, LuJames Groover, Tommy Troy, and Tim Tawa give Arizona additional right-handed options.
Carroll and Pavin Smith remain dangerous despite the same-handed matchup. Liberatore cannot simply focus on the right-handed hitters and assume Arizona's lefties will produce easy outs.
The Diamondbacks are batting approximately .269 against left-handed pitching. Their platoon production is considerably stronger than their full-season .238 team average.
Liberatore must reduce the walks and home runs to keep St. Louis in front. His recent form provides little evidence that he can consistently accomplish both.
Game Thesis: Arizona owns the clearest established matchup advantage against Liberatore, who has allowed 12 earned runs and five home runs across his last three starts. Bratt's Triple-A performance is encouraging, but his MLB debut and restricted workload create substantial uncertainty. St. Louis should receive several opportunities against Arizona's middle relievers once Bratt exits. The Diamondbacks have the more favourable offensive matchup and a slightly better bullpen, making Arizona the preferred side at even money. Both teams should have scoring opportunities against the starters and relief groups, creating a realistic path to a game that reaches or exceeds nine runs.
⭐ Best Bet - Moneyline Pick: Arizona Diamondbacks (+100)
Arizona is the strongest game selection at an even-money price. The Diamondbacks receive the more favourable offensive matchup and do not need Bratt to pitch deep or dominate to earn the victory.
Liberatore carries a 5.23 ERA and 1.56 WHIP. He has allowed five home runs and 12 earned runs across only 10.1 innings during his last three starts.
Arizona is well constructed to punish those weaknesses. Marte, Perdomo, Moreno, Arenado, and Gurriel can all attack from the right side against the St. Louis left-hander.
Marte provides the clearest advantage. He has consistently produced hard contact against southpaws and should receive four or five plate appearances from the leadoff position.
The Diamondbacks can also create traffic through contact and walks. Liberatore has allowed more than one and a half baserunners per inning and has struggled to escape innings without surrendering extra-base damage.
St. Louis possesses enough right-handed power to challenge Bratt. Walker, Herrera, Velázquez, and Jordan prevent the rookie from becoming a comfortable betting asset.
Bratt's control and minor-league production still give him a reasonable chance to keep Arizona competitive through four or five innings. He does not need to record a quality start if the Diamondbacks reach Liberatore early.
The bullpen matchup slightly favours Arizona. The Diamondbacks enter with a relief ERA around 4.24 compared with approximately 4.43 for St. Louis.
Both units are vulnerable, but Arizona can avoid using Sewald in the highest-leverage situation after Tuesday's difficult ninth inning. Ginkel, Morillo, Clarke, and Garcia provide alternative options.
Arizona also enters with momentum after Tuesday's comeback. The Diamondbacks remained scoreless for eight innings but still found a way to win against the weaker portion of the Cardinals bullpen.
A projected score around 6-4 or 5-4 gives Arizona enough offensive advantage to justify the even-money selection.
Spread Pick: Arizona Diamondbacks -1.5 (+159)
Arizona -1.5 provides an aggressive plus-money alternative to the moneyline. The run line becomes attractive if Liberatore's recent struggles continue.
The Cardinals starter has failed to complete five innings in three consecutive games. He allowed at least three earned runs during each appearance.
An early exit would expose a St. Louis bullpen carrying an ERA above 4.40. Svanson has struggled badly, and several Cardinals relievers have already worked during the first two games of the series.
Arizona can create separation through the top and middle portions of its lineup. Marte, Perdomo, Carroll, Moreno, Arenado, and Gurriel provide several opportunities to drive in runs.
The Diamondbacks do not need Bratt to produce six scoreless innings to cover. A five-run offensive performance may be enough if the bullpen limits St. Louis during the later innings.
The largest risk is Bratt's restricted workload. Arizona may need to cover more than half the game with a bullpen that has not consistently protected leads.
St. Louis also demonstrated its ability to rally Tuesday. The Cardinals scored three times in the ninth and brought the potential winning run to the plate.
The standard Cardinals +1.5 price is close to -190, offering little practical value. Arizona's plus-money run line is the more useful alternative for bettors expecting Liberatore to allow another damaging start.
Final scores such as 6-4, 7-4, or 6-3 would cash the run line while fitting the overall pitching matchup.
Total Pick: Over 9.0 (-110)
Over 9.0 is preferable to the Under despite the first two games producing only five and seven total runs.
Monday and Tuesday featured effective starting pitching. Pallante, Merrill Kelly, Eduardo Rodriguez, and Kyle Leahy each delivered at least six competitive innings.
Wednesday introduces a completely different pitching structure. Liberatore owns a 5.23 ERA, while Bratt is making his debut under an expected workload restriction.
Arizona should contribute against Liberatore. The Diamondbacks are batting .269 against left-handed pitching and can use several right-handed hitters near the top of the order.
Liberatore's home-run problems increase the scoring ceiling. He has allowed 15 this season and five during his last three starts.
St. Louis can contribute against Bratt and the Arizona bullpen. The Cardinals have Walker, Herrera, Velázquez, Jordan, and other right-handed hitters capable of challenging the rookie.
Bratt threw only 48 pitches during his return from the injured list. Arizona may remove him after four innings regardless of the score.
That likely creates at least five innings against a Diamondbacks bullpen with an ERA above 4.20.
The St. Louis bullpen also carries significant risk. Svanson allowed Arizona's decisive rally Tuesday, while the overall relief group owns an ERA above 4.40.
The warm and humid conditions can assist offense, although Busch Stadium remains less favourable for home runs than several other National League parks.
A passing shower or short delay would add more uncertainty for both starters. Bratt's limited build-up makes any interruption especially important.
The nine-run line provides push protection. A 5-4 or 6-3 final returns the stake, while a projected score around 6-4 clears the total.
Top Player Prop Picks
Ketel Marte Over 1.5 Total Bases (-115 at BetMGM) Marte receives one of Wednesday's strongest individual platoon matchups against Liberatore.
The switch-hitter will bat from the right side against the St. Louis left-hander. His recent production against southpaws includes a slugging percentage above .650 and an OPS above 1.000.
Marte has also generated elite hard contact against left-handed pitching. His combination of barrel rate and line-drive contact gives him several ways to reach two total bases.
Liberatore has allowed 15 home runs and a .294 opponent batting average. His elevated WHIP should provide Marte with opportunities to hit in favourable counts.
Marte does not require a home run to clear the prop. One double, triple, or two singles would be sufficient.
His leadoff position should provide four or five plate appearances. Liberatore's recent inability to pitch deep may also give Marte at least one opportunity against the St. Louis bullpen.
The small career sample against Liberatore is not the central reason for the pick. Marte's current production against lefties and Liberatore's season-long contact problems provide the stronger evidence.
The -115 price is more attractive than the widely listed -126 market and makes Marte Over 1.5 total bases the preferred Arizona prop.
Jordan Walker Over 1.5 Total Bases (+105 at bet365) Walker is St. Louis' most dangerous available power hitter and receives the platoon advantage against Bratt.
He enters batting approximately .290 with a .523 slugging percentage. Walker leads the Cardinals in hits and slugging while producing 18 home runs.
His numbers against left-handed pitching are especially strong. Walker owns an OPS close to .980 in that split and can punish fastballs that remain inside the strike zone.
Bratt's command is advanced, but his fastball generally operates around 90 to 93 mph. Walker should not be overmatched by velocity.
The rookie may also operate under a restricted pitch count. Walker could receive his second or third plate appearance against an Arizona reliever rather than Bratt.
One double, triple, or home run immediately clears the line. Walker can also reach the number through two singles.
Busch Stadium can suppress some right-handed home runs, but Walker possesses enough power to drive the ball over the fence or into the gaps.
The +105 price provides value for a hitter projected to bat near the centre of the lineup against a debuting left-hander.
Gabriel Moreno Over 1.5 Total Bases (+125 at BetMGM) Moreno enters batting approximately .276 with an .806 OPS and should receive the platoon advantage against Liberatore.
He collected the single that started Arizona's four-run rally Tuesday and continues to make consistent contact near the middle of the order.
Liberatore's high WHIP gives Moreno a favourable opportunity to hit with runners aboard. The St. Louis starter has allowed 86 hits across 72.1 innings.
Moreno does not need to produce a home run. A double, triple, or two singles would clear the prop.
He has enough gap power to take advantage of Busch Stadium's outfield dimensions. Line drives that remain inside the park can still become extra-base hits.
Moreno should receive multiple opportunities against Liberatore before St. Louis reaches its bullpen. The left-hander has not completed five innings during any of his last three starts.
Arizona's top-of-the-order hitters can also create additional at-bats. If Marte, Perdomo, and Carroll reach base consistently, the Diamondbacks should turn the lineup over at least four times.
The +125 price offers substantially more value than laying -240 on a one-hit market. Moreno's contact ability, platoon advantage, and position in the lineup support Over 1.5 total bases.
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