What's Happening?
Yadier Molina, a former All-Star and Gold Glove catcher, has returned to the St. Louis Cardinals as a temporary bench coach during their series against the Chicago Cubs. Molina, who played for the Cardinals for 19 years, is assisting the team by providing guidance to the catchers. His return to Busch Stadium marks his first appearance since the retirement ceremony of pitcher Adam Wainwright in 2023. Molina's involvement is part of his ongoing relationship with the Cardinals, having joined as a special assistant to the president of baseball operations in 2023.
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Why It's Important?
Molina's presence in the Cardinals' dugout is significant for the team, as his experience and leadership could provide valuable insights and motivation to the players. His temporary role as bench coach may help improve the team's performance, especially in crucial games against rivals like the Cubs. Additionally, Molina's return highlights the continued influence of veteran players in shaping team culture and strategy.
What's Next?
Molina's involvement with the Cardinals may extend beyond this weekend, as he has expressed interest in contributing at other points during the season. His presence could potentially spark a postseason push for the team, which is currently one game above .500 and vying for a wild-card spot. Molina's future plans include managing Puerto Rico in the 2026 World Baseball Classic and possibly taking a full-time MLB coaching position after his son's high school graduation.
