In a significant boost for the St. Louis Cardinals, the team activated key catcher Willson Contreras from the injured list ahead of Monday's series opener against the Atlanta Braves. Contreras, who has been sidelined since May 7 with a fractured forearm, is set to make his long-awaited return to the big-league stage.
Contreras' Injury and Return
Contreras' absence came after he was struck on a swing by New York Mets designated hitter J.D. Martinez, resulting in a fractured forearm. Before his untimely injury, Contreras, 32, had displayed impressive statistics, maintaining a .280/.398/.551 (167 OPS+) slash line with six home runs and 12 RBIs over 31 games. His offensive contributions were valued at an estimated 1.7 Wins Above Replacement, per Baseball Reference, underscoring his importance to the team's lineup.
The Cardinals faced a challenging stretch during Contreras’ absence. At the time of his injury, the team sported a 15-21 record and trailed the National League Central leaders by 6.5 games. However, the team has since improved to 39-37, narrowing the gap to five games behind the Milwaukee Brewers. As of Monday’s game, the Cardinals would slot in as the second of three National League wild-card teams if the season were to end today, placing them in a favorable position for postseason contention.
Roster Moves and Implications
In corresponding moves to make room for Contreras, the Cardinals optioned backup catcher Nick Raposo to Triple-A Memphis. Raposo had recently been recalled to fill in after Iván Herrera hit the injured list with lower back tightness. Pagés will now serve as Contreras' backup until Herrera is ready to return.
Additionally, the Cardinals activated right-handed reliever Nick Robertson from the injured list and also optioned him to Triple-A Memphis. These strategic adjustments reflect the club's anticipation of Contreras’ return and their commitment to maintaining a competitive roster.
Impact on the Cardinal's Future
Contreras is in the second year of a five-year contract with the Cardinals, valued at over $87 million. His return comes at a critical juncture as the Cardinals prepare for a crucial series against the Braves, a team that has consistently been in postseason contention.
With Contreras back in action, the focus for the Cardinals shifts to sustaining their momentum and competing fiercely within the division. His presence behind the plate and in the batting order provides a dual advantage of bolstered defense and a potent offensive threat. The team hopes that his comeback will not only invigorate their play but also help them gain a stronger foothold in what proves to be a tightly contested race in the National League Central.
Looking at the broader picture, the Cardinals' strategy of leveraging veteran experience and youthful energy continues to evolve. With important players like Contreras leading the charge and key contributions from role-players like Pagés, the team is positioning itself to navigate the ebbs and flows of a demanding MLB season. All eyes will be on how well they can capitalize on this momentum as they aim for postseason success.