St. Louis Cardinals aim to clinch series win over Cubs while eyeing bullpen upgrade

The St. Louis Cardinals (46‑39) head into a four‑hour series finale against the Chicago Cubs on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at Wrigley Field. After a 17‑1 offensive outburst the previous night, the Cardinals seek a fourth win in five games, with right‑hander Kyle Leahy slated to start. Chicago counters with left‑hander Shota Imanaga, while the Cardinals’ bullpen, ranked 18th in the league with a 4.18 ERA, remains a concern.

Separate from the July 4 matchup, the Cardinals sit eight games above .500 and within a game of the NL Central second‑place spot and wild‑card positions. With the trade deadline approaching, they are evaluating free‑agent reliever Tommy Kahnle, a 12‑year veteran who was designated by the Boston Red Sox. Kahnle posted an 8.00 ERA in eight Red Sox appearances but recorded a 1.40 ERA in Triple‑A before his promotion. At a likely minimum‑salary deal, he could provide low‑cost depth for the struggling bullpen.