The St. Louis Cardinals were dealt a tough blow on Tuesday night when they were held to one run by the Atlanta Braves and ultimately suffered their first series loss of the season.
At the center of controversy were manager Oli Marmol and Tyler O’Neill.
When Brendan Donovan slapped a base-hit into right field, O’Neill was sent home from third base.
However, even his elite speed was no match for Ronald Acuna Jr.’s strong arm.
Acuna delivered a strike to the plate and nabbed O’Neill.
After the game, Marmol criticized O’Neill’s effort, which the latter vehemently refuted, saying he was giving his full effort on the play.
Before Wednesday’s series finale, Cardinals President of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak gave his thoughts on the situation.
Mozeliak tells @TheCatOnBallyTV his thoughts on O’Neill’s baserunning, the #STLCards‘ starting rotation and Jordan Walker’s first five games: “The one thing we always try to think about here with the St. Louis Cardinals is when we play, we play 100%.” pic.twitter.com/gtd07mc2DI
— Bally Sports Midwest (@BallySportsMW) April 5, 2023
Mozeliak echoed Marmol’s sentiments from Tuesday night, saying that the goal as a team is to play at 100% regardless of any situation.
He said he understood where O’Neill was coming from when he said he was trying to make sure he can stay on the field for a full season.
The slugger has dealt with several hamstring injuries at various points in his career.
However, Mozeliak expressed that the team’s coaching staff is doing all they can to ensure that as well, and that expectations are that players will give their full effort at all times.
Mozeliak described it as “full-throttle.”
Finally, he said that if there is any debate on the matter, the team will try to keep it secretive and resolve the situation behind closed doors.
