In a significant development for the St. Louis Cardinals, catcher Willson Contreras has been activated from the injured list ahead of Monday's series opener against the Atlanta Braves. This marks Contreras’ first appearance since fracturing his forearm in early May.
Contreras' return comes at a critical point in the season for the Cardinals, who are fighting to maintain their momentum and secure a place in the postseason. The move comes as the team boasts a 39-37 record and sits five games behind the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Central. As of now, if the season were to end today, the Cardinals would find themselves in the second wild-card spot for the National League.
Injury and Absence
Contreras suffered his injury on May 7 when he was struck on the forearm by a swing from New York Mets designated hitter J.D. Martinez. Before his injury, the 32-year-old catcher was putting up impressive numbers, hitting .280/.398/.551 with six home runs and 12 RBIs over his first 31 games. These contributions had earned him an estimated 1.7 Wins Above Replacement according to Baseball Reference, highlighting his value to the team.
The loss of Contreras, who is in the second year of a five-year deal worth over $87 million with the Cardinals, was a significant blow to St. Louis. At the time of his injury, the Cardinals held a 15-21 record. Since then, the team has managed to improve its standing, and the return of Contreras comes at an opportune time as they gear up to face the formidable Atlanta Braves.
Roster Moves and Strategy
In corresponding roster moves, the Cardinals have optioned backup catcher Nick Raposo to Triple-A Memphis. Raposo had recently been recalled to fill in for Iván Herrera, who was placed on the injured list due to lower back tightness. As Contreras resumes his duties, Pagés will serve as his backup until Herrera is ready to return to action.
The Cardinals also activated right-handed reliever Nick Robertson from the injured list and subsequently optioned him to Triple-A Memphis. Robertson's activation adds depth to the bullpen, although he will continue to hone his skills in the minors for now.
The Road Ahead
The return of Contreras not only bolsters the Cardinals' lineup but also brings a sense of stability behind the plate. His experience and leadership will be crucial as the team navigates this pivotal stretch of games leading into the All-Star break and beyond. With a challenging series against the Braves on the horizon, the Cardinals will look to their rejuvenated roster to sustain their competitive edge.
The team’s improved record since Contreras' absence is a testament to the resilience and depth of the Cardinals' roster. Now, with their star catcher back in action, St. Louis can aim for further gains in the standings, focusing on both short-term victories and long-term postseason aspirations.
As the Cardinals prepare to clash with the Braves, the return of Willson Contreras could not have come at a better time. His presence on the field, both offensively and defensively, adds a dynamic element to the Cardinals' strategy. The upcoming series will serve as a crucial test for St. Louis, but with Contreras back in the fold, the team is better equipped to face these challenges head-on.