Cardinals Welcome Back Willson Contreras Ahead of Pivotal Braves Series
ST. LOUIS — The St. Louis Cardinals have activated catcher Willson Contreras from the injured list just in time for the series opener against the Atlanta Braves. Contreras, who fractured his forearm on May 7, is set to make his highly anticipated return to the big-league stage.
The Cardinals, who had to navigate the past few weeks without their key player, will benefit significantly from Contreras' reintegration. He sustained his injury after being hit by a swing from New York Mets' designated hitter J.D. Martinez, which set back their lineup considerably. The catcher had been performing impressively with a batting average of .280 and an on-base plus slugging percentage (OPS+) of 167. His six home runs and 12 RBIs in just 31 games valued him at 1.7 Wins Above Replacement according to Baseball Reference, making him essential to the Cardinals' playoff aspirations.
Revamping the Lineup
In corresponding moves, the Cardinals have shuffled their roster to accommodate Contreras' return. Nick Raposo, who had been recalled to fill in for the injured Iván Herrera, has been optioned back to Triple-A Memphis. Herrera's stint on the injured list owing to lower back tightness made way for Pedro Pagés to serve as Contreras' backup, a role he will continue to fulfill until Herrera is back to full strength.
Additionally, right-handed reliever Nick Robertson, who has also been activated off the injured list, has been optioned to Triple-A Memphis. These adjustments ensure the Cardinals have a robust and flexible lineup as they head into a crucial phase of the season.
Season Outlook for the Cardinals
When Contreras was sidelined, the Cardinals were grappling with a 15-21 record, trailing by 6.5 games in the National League Central. Since then, the team has managed to turn their fortunes around, currently standing at 39-37 and just five games behind the Milwaukee Brewers. If the season ended today, the Cardinals would secure a spot as the second of three National League wild-card teams – a testament to their resilience without one of their key contributors.
A Boost for the Braves Series
Contreras' return is timely as the Cardinals gear up to face the Atlanta Braves in a pivotal series. This matchup could potentially shape the dynamics of the National League standings as the season progresses. Having Contreras back not only boosts the team's morale but also strengthens their on-field strategy. His offensive prowess and defensive skills behind the plate will be critical as the Cardinals seek to sustain their momentum in this highly competitive division.
The focus now shifts to maintaining their competitive edge with Contreras back in action. The catcher, in the second year of his five-year deal worth over $87 million with the Cardinals, is expected to be a linchpin in their quest for postseason success. His experience and leadership will undoubtedly play a crucial role as the team navigates the challenges of the remaining season.
With Contreras poised to make his comeback, Cardinals fans can look forward to seeing their team at near full strength, ready to make a strong push towards the playoffs. As the Braves series unfolds, all eyes will be on Contreras and his impact on the field, hoping that his return heralds a new chapter of success for the St. Louis Cardinals.