Amid their peak performance of the season, the St. Louis Cardinals faced unfortunate news concerning their starting right fielder, Lars Nootbaar. On Friday, the Cardinals announced Nootbaar’s placement on the 10-day injured list due to an oblique strain, retroactive to May 30. To fill Nootbaar’s spot on the active roster, St. Louis is recalling infielder Jose Fermin.
Nootbaar exhibited discomfort on his left side after a swing in the top of the seventh inning during Wednesday’s Cardinals win. Although he managed to remain in the game and reach base via an infield single, he was subsequently removed in the bottom of the eighth inning.
Injuries have unfortunately plagued Nootbaar throughout his professional career. Since the beginning of the 2023 season, the 26-year-old has been on the injured list on five separate occasions.
This marks Nootbaar’s second stint on the injured list this season, having previously missed the first two weeks of the season rehabilitating from a rib contusion sustained in late March.
When in good health, Nootbaar serves as a regular player for the Cardinals and had begun to find his rhythm after encountering plate inconsistencies. He amassed seven hits in his last four games and safely reached base in nine of his last ten games. In May, Nootbaar maintained a .275 batting average over 22 games.
Overall in 2024, Nootbaar holds a .234 batting average with five home runs, 19 RBIs, and 14 runs scored in 39 games.
The Cardinals find themselves frequently tasked with replacing Lars Nootbaar in the lineup, a situation they are undoubtedly displeased to encounter. Unfortunately, some players struggle to maintain their health, as has been the case for Nootbaar over the past two seasons.
Cardinals hitting their stride as June approaches
The Cardinals entered the season with high hopes following a disastrous 2023. Now, two months into the 2024 campaign, St. Louis appears to be hitting its stride.
Wednesday’s victory over the Cincinnati Reds marked the Cardinals’ fifth consecutive series win, improving their record to 8-2 in their last 10 games. With a 27-27 record, St. Louis has returned to .500 for the first time since April 17.
In the competitive NL Central division, the Cardinals are striving to close the gap with the Milwaukee Brewers, who currently lead the division. Sitting in second place, the Cardinals trail the Brewers by five games, with just one game separating them from fifth-place Cincinnati.
Recent doubts about whether the Cardinals would be sellers at the trade deadline seem to have been dispelled, especially if their upward trend continues.
Looking ahead, the Cardinals face a tough challenge with a series against the Philadelphia Phillies this weekend. The Phillies boast the best record in baseball, making a series win on the road a potential turning point for St. Louis’ season.
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