Goldschmidt was scratched from the Cardinals' Grapefruit League lineup Friday due to a family matter, Lynn Worthy of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

EDGE Analysis

This confirms that Goldschmidt's sudden absence was not injury-related. The reigning National League MVP will presumably be able to return to action over the weekend in Cardinals camp before he heads off to join Team USA for the World Baseball Classic.

Goldschmidt was scratched from the Cardinals' Grapefruit League lineup Friday, Lynn Worthy of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

EDGE Analysis

Worthy is hearing the move is not injury-related, so Cards fans can breathe a sigh of relief. Juan Yepez will take Goldschmidt's spot at first base.

Goldschmidt was named the 2022 NL MVP on Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

Goldschmidt -- a seven-time All-Star -- earned his first MVP award after mashing 35 home runs and tallying over 100 RBI and runs in a single season for the first time since 2017. Paired with strong plate discipline, he also managed a 177 wRC+ -- the highest mark in the National League and third-highest among all hitters. In total, Goldschmidt earned 380 votes, well out-pacing Manny Machado, who finished second with 291 votes.

Goldschmidt isn't starting Wednesday against the Pirates, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

EDGE Analysis

Goldschmidt is getting a breather after going 1-for-5 with a run, an RBI, a walk and two strikeouts over the last two games. Juan Yepez will start at first base and bat fifth.

Goldschmidt is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Pirates.

EDGE Analysis

Goldschmidt is for 2-for-5 with two doubles and two walks against the opposing starter, Roansy Contreras, but manager Oliver Marmol decided to hold him out with the postseason on the horizon. Albert Pujols will start at first base in Goldschmidt's place.

Goldschmidt went 2-for-4 with a double, two RBI and a stolen base in Tuesday's 6-2 win over the Brewers.

EDGE Analysis

Goldschmidt drove in a run on a sacrifice fly in the first frame before ripping an RBI single off Trevor Gott in the top of the fifth and stealing second base. He later added a double in the seventh inning, which was 41st two-bagger of the year. Goldschmidt came into Tuesday's contest in a 4-for-27 cold spell over his previous seven games, but he still owns a .318 average with 35 homers, 114 RBI, 103 runs and seven stolen bases over 146 games in 2022.

Goldschmidt is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Reds, Daniel Guerrero of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Goldschmidt started the past six games and will receive a day off after he posted a .273/.360/.409 slash line with three doubles, three RBI and two runs. Albert Pujols will take over at first base while Nolan Arenado rests his legs as the designated hitter.

Goldschmidt is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Pirates.

EDGE Analysis

Goldschmidt racked up just eight hits and hit .186 over his last 12 games, so he will get a day off for the first time this month. Albert Pujols will start at first base Sunday for the Cardinals.

Goldschmidt went 1-for-3 with a solo home run, an additional run scored and a walk in Wednesday's 6-5 win over the Nationals.

EDGE Analysis

Goldschmidt's fourth-inning blast was the only run in the game until the Nationals' offense woke up in the seventh and eighth frames. It's been a rather pedestrian start to September for Goldschmidt -- he's gone 5-for-20 (.250) with two home runs in the first six games of the month. The first baseman is still doing just fine overall, as his 35 homers put him one shy of matching a career-high mark he achieved in both 2013 and 2017. He's added 108 RBI, 99 runs scored, six stolen bases and 35 doubles through 130 contests.

Goldschmidt went 2-for-4 with a two-run home run, a walk, an additional run and a stolen base during Saturday's 8-4 victory over the Cubs.

EDGE Analysis

Goldschmidt got St. Louis on the board with a two-run home run off Chicago starter Drew Smyly in the bottom of the first inning. In the third, Goldschmidt singled, stole third and scored, and he walked in the sixth. The two-hit game snapped a recent 1-for-14 slump while the homer was the 34-year-old's first extra-base hit since two long balls Aug. 25, which were also against the Cubs. Goldschmidt and his 34 home runs now sit two behind NL leader Kyle Schwarber while his 107 RBI and .331 average pace the Senior Circuit.