The St. Louis Cardinals are gearing up for another season of Cardinals baseball in 2022. After finishing with a 90-72 record in 2021, just missing the playoffs, the Redbirds are hoping to get back to the postseason this year. Let’s take a closer look at the Cardinals’ 2022 schedule and some of the key games and series fans will want to circle on their calendars.
The Cardinals will open their 2022 campaign on the road against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on April 7th. This kicks off a three-game series against their NL Central rival to start the season. After that they’ll head to Milwaukee for three games against the Brewers from April 11-13. The home opener at Busch Stadium will be on April 14th when the Cards host the Cincinnati Reds for the first of four games in the opening homestand.
One of the most highly anticipated series of the early season will take place from April 22-24 when the Cardinals welcome the defending World Series champion Atlanta Braves to town for a three-game set. This will give St. Louis fans their first chance to see the champs on their home field. In mid-May the Cards will host another playoff team from 2021 when they face the San Francisco Giants for three games May 17-19.
The Cardinals’ interleague schedule in 2022 includes road series against the Toronto Blue Jays (May 30-June 1) and Tampa Bay Rays (June 21-22). Their home interleague matchups are against the Chicago White Sox (June 3-5), Colorado Rockies (July 8-10), and Kansas City Royals (August 12-14). Road trips out west include three games each in San Diego (July 15-17) and Los Angeles to face the Dodgers (September 16-18).
Some other notable series on the 2022 Cardinals schedule include a visit from the New York Mets for three games July 1-3. In early August they’ll host the Milwaukee Brewers for four games August 5-7. One of the biggest home series will be against the rival Chicago Cubs from August 26-28. Closing out the regular season the Cards will host the Pittsburgh Pirates for the final three home games October 3-5 before ending on the road in Pittsburgh October 5-7.
As for individual games, there are a few standout dates fans will want to circle. On Memorial Day, May 30th, the Cards take on the Blue Jays in Toronto. Independence Day, July 4th, sees St. Louis hosting the Rockies. Bob Gibson’s number 45 will be retired in a pregame ceremony on August 27th when the Cubs are in town. And the final home game on October 3rd is sure to have playoff-type energy as the season winds down.
When examining the Cardinals’ 2022 schedule, there are some stretches that could prove challenging. In late May and early June they have a stretch with 12 games in 12 days that includes four separate series against the Giants, Blue Jays, Cubs, and White Sox with no off days. Another grueling part is in late July/early August when they play 20 games in 20 days including series versus the Mets, Brewers twice, and Cubs. Proper rest and rotation will be crucial during those marathon runs.
On the other hand, there are also some easier portions of the schedule. In mid-April they have a nine-game homestand against divisional foes. Late June and early July features nine consecutive games against NL Central opponents. And they’ll get an opportunity to gain ground in September with nine of their last 15 games at home including series against the lowly Pirates, Reds, and Brewers.
The 2022 Cardinals schedule sets up several marquee home series and interleague matchups that should make for an exciting season at Busch Stadium. As long as they can stay healthy and perform well against their NL Central rivals, St. Louis has a good chance to return to the postseason. With a talented, veteran roster led by stars like Paul Goldschmidt, Nolan Arenado, and Adam Wainwright, Cardinal Nation has high hopes for October baseball once again in the coming campaign. It all starts with taking care of business during the 162-game regular season grind, beginning with their opener on April 7th in Pittsburgh.
