The St. Louis Cardinals (55-55) visit the San Diego Padres (60-49) open a 3-game series Friday at Petco Park. First pitch is scheduled for 9:40 p.m. ET. Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's MLB odds around the Cardinals vs. Padres odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

The Miami Marlins (51-55) and the St. Louis Cardinals (55-54) wrap up a 3-game series Wednesday. First pitch from Busch Stadium is scheduled for 7:45 p.m. ET (MLB.TV Free Game of the Day). Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's MLB odds around the Marlins vs. Cardinals odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

The Cardinals are still within striking distance of the last NL Wild Card spot, but could look to trade their highly coveted closer for a nice package.

The Mets are acquiring hard-throwing closer Ryan Helsley from the St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday, a day before the July 31 Major League Baseball deadline, the team announced Wednesday. The Cardinals get back three minor leaguers: shortstop Jesus Baez and right-handed pitchers Nate Dohm and Frank Elissalt.