The St. Louis Cardinals have activated catcher Willson Contreras from the injured list just in time for a crucial series opener against the Atlanta Braves. Contreras, who fractured his forearm on May 7, will make his first big-league appearance since the injury.
Reinforcements Arrive
In a series of roster moves, the Cardinals have optioned backup catcher Nick Raposo to Triple-A Memphis. Raposo had recently been called up to fill in after Iván Herrera was sidelined with lower back tightness. With Contreras' return, Pagés will now serve as the backup catcher until Herrera is cleared to return to active duty.
The Cardinals also activated right-handed reliever Nick Robertson from the injured list and optioned him to Triple-A Memphis. This move underscores the depth and dynamism the team is striving to maintain as they head into the latter part of the season.
Contreras' Impact
Before his injury, Contreras was enjoying a stellar season at the plate, posting a .280/.398/.551 slash line with six home runs and 12 RBIs over his first 31 games. His contributions had been worth an estimated 1.7 Wins Above Replacement, according to Baseball Reference, showcasing his value both offensively and defensively. The 32-year-old suffered the fractured forearm when he was hit by a swing from New York Mets designated hitter J.D. Martinez, a setback that momentarily halted his strong start.
Contreras is currently in the second year of a five-year, $87 million deal with the Cardinals. His return marks a significant boost for the team, which, at the time of his injury, was struggling with a 15-21 record and lingering 6.5 games behind in the National League Central division. Fast forward to the present, the Cardinals have turned their season around, boasting a 39-37 record and narrowing the gap to just five games behind the Milwaukee Brewers.
Pivotal Series Ahead
As of Monday's game, if the season were to end today, the Cardinals would secure a spot as the second of three National League wild-card teams. Contreras' return couldn't come at a more opportune moment as they gear up to face the high-flying Atlanta Braves. The series is poised to be a crucial test, with the Cardinals needing all hands on deck to sustain their momentum and make a strong push within the division.
Pagés' role as the backup catcher becomes vital in providing depth behind Contreras. The spotlight, however, will undoubtedly be on Contreras as he steps back onto the field, ready to contribute and help propel the Cardinals further up the standings.
The return of Contreras is more than just the addition of a key player; it’s a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the Cardinals' roster. As the team navigates the ups and downs of the season, the focus remains on sustaining their competitive edge and capitalizing on every opportunity to climb the league standings.
With Contreras back in action, the Cardinals have fortified their lineup and are poised to tackle the challenges ahead. The coming games will be significant not only for the standings but also as a barometer for how well the team can mesh and perform with their full roster integral once again. The energy and determination shown in their recent resurgence will be critical as they aim to make their mark and vie for a post-season berth.