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Within his description fit a key word fits for what lies ahead.

“We'll mix and match, but the word that definitely comes to mind is opportunity,� Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said.

How he deployed his relievers Wednesday in a 2-0 loss against Miami provided a glimpse of who could get that “opportunity.�

Once Cardinals starter Miles Mikolas was lifted from his start after six innings and two runs allowed on a two-run homer in the third inning to Jesus Sanchez, the Cardinals received 1 1/3 scoreless innings by Riley O’Brien, another 1 1/3 scoreless innings from JoJo Romero, and 1/3 of a scoreless inning from Kyle Leahy in a 2-0 loss to Miami that marked a second consecutive shutout loss.

The trio of relievers kept the Cardinals from needing to dig into a bullpen that was without Helsley and one that had left-hander Steven Matz subtracted from its makeup as he was dealt to the Red Sox.

“Riley's done a nice job of running with opportunities that we've been giving him. JoJo, he's done it in the past as well,� Marmol said.

As sellers at this year’s trade deadline, the Cardinals (55-55) turned Helsley and Matz, who are both on expiring contracts, into prospects to deepen their farm system. The bullpen could continue to take shape ahead of Thursday’s deadline with veteran Phil Maton as a candidate to be moved before 5 p.m. Thursday.

“For the time being, Phil (Maton) is here. ... We'll continue to mix and match until it looks different,� Marmol said.

O’Brien, the first of the rising Cardinals' arms to get a look on Wednesday, continued what has been a strong showing in the majors that has come with consistent health.

O’Brien, 30, has posted a 1.67 ERA in 22 games. He’s notched 29 strikeouts in 27 innings and has collected 12 of those in his previous 8 1/3 innings. The 1 1/3 scoreless innings vs. Miami on Thursday extended his stretch of scoreless innings to 8 1/3 over his previous eight outings.

On Thursday, the righty flashed what has provided some intrigue when he is healthy. He threw a sinker that reached 99.8 mph and a slider that touched 91.3 mph and got two whiffs on the three swings Marlins hitters took against it.

“So far, I've felt relatively healthy throughout the year, and I think I've just been consistent,� said O’Brien, who made the 2024 opening day roster but was held to eight innings because of a right forearm flexor strain. “That's the biggest thing. Last year was lots of ups and downs. I think I flashed some success, but this year I feel like I'm really kind of putting it together and so far, I've been having success and I'm just trying to keep stacking good outings.�

With Helsley traded and an “opportunity� to pitch late innings possible, O’Brien said he’s hoping to carry his approach that has helped him to success this year into late innings spots if his name is called.

“That's obviously the biggest goal being out of the bullpen is to be closing out games and throwing in big situations,� O’Brien said. “There's obviously a spot open. I'm trying not to think about it too much. Just try to go out there when my name is called and throw the ball well. I'll be ready for it, but we'll see what happens next in the next few days.�

Two seasons ago, Romero got his first consistent run as a regular late-inning option for the Cardinals while Helsley was on the injured list for a right forearm strain. Romero, who bounced between the majors and Class AAA through the first three months of the 2023 season, ended that season with a 3.68 ERA in 36 2/3 innings and notched the first three saves of his career.

Romero’s run as a late-inning reliever that year began following a call-up in early July. The stretch included a 3.72 ERA, a strikeout rate just below 31%, and two successful save conversions in three opportunities.

This year, the lefty has posted a 2.04 ERA in 41 appearances and notched 16 holds. After beginning the year with a 7.27 ERA through his first 11 appearances, he’s posted a 0.34 ERA and struck out 30 batters in his previous 30 outings, including Thursday’s, creating momentum for him as he figures to be a key arm the Cardinals could rely on through the final two months of the regular season.

“I think it's a great opportunity for everyone in this clubhouse that's in that bullpen,� Romero said of the innings that open up after Helsley’s departure. “We've got some arms and everyone that's come up here between (Andre) Granillo, (Gordon) Graceffo, (Matt) Svanson, Leahy, and Riley.

“Everyone's been able to get the opportunity in the back end of the game. Now that there's that you know opportunity later in the game, whether that's 7, 8, 9, whatever it is, these young guys being able to get that opportunity, to get that experience under their belt, whether it's close game, not close game, whatever the situation is, it's going to be good for all of us and good for staff as a whole.�