The St. Louis Cardinals are poised to welcome back catcher Willson Contreras as they embark on a critical series against the Atlanta Braves. Contreras, sidelined since May 7 due to a fractured forearm, is set to make his return, aiming to fortify the Cardinals' lineup at a crucial juncture in their season.
Contreras' Impact
Before his injury, Contreras was enjoying a standout season, boasting a .280/.398/.551 slash line with six home runs and 12 RBIs over 31 games. His contributions had been quantified as 1.7 Wins Above Replacement, according to Baseball Reference. The 32-year-old catcher’s return is highly anticipated, not just for his offensive production but also for his leadership behind the plate.
Contreras' injury occurred in an unfortunate incident when he was struck by a swing from New York Mets designated hitter J.D. Martinez. Despite the setback, Contreras is now ready to pick up where he left off and help propel the Cardinals as they fight for a playoff spot.
Roster Moves and Injuries
Alongside activating Contreras, the Cardinals made several roster adjustments. Backup catcher Nick Raposo, who had been filling in during Contreras' absence, has been optioned to Triple-A Memphis. Raposo had recently been called up following Iván Herrera's placement on the injured list due to lower back tightness. With Raposo returning to Memphis, Pedro Pagés will continue to serve as Contreras' backup until Herrera is fit to return.
Additionally, the Cardinals activated right-handed reliever Nick Robertson from the injured list, subsequently optioning him to Triple-A Memphis. These moves aim to solidify the roster as the team gears up for a crucial stretch of games.
Cardinals' Season So Far
At the time of Contreras' injury, the Cardinals were struggling with a 15-21 record and found themselves 6.5 games behind in the National League Central. Since then, they have managed to turn their season around, now holding a 39-37 record. They remain five games back of the Milwaukee Brewers in the division race. However, if the season were to end today, the Cardinals would find themselves in a playoff position as the second of three National League wild-card teams.
Contreras’ activation comes at a pivotal moment as the Cardinals look to maintain their momentum. His presence is expected to be a significant boost, both offensively and defensively, as they enter a high-stakes series against the Braves.
Looking Ahead
The return of Willson Contreras symbolizes more than just an addition to the lineup; it represents renewed hope and a bolstered morale for the Cardinals. His performance in the coming games will be critical as St. Louis aims to close the gap in the division and secure their playoff aspirations. With the team's resilience already on display, Contreras’ comeback could very well be the catalyst that propels them further up the standings.
The Cardinals' journey through the remainder of the season will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. With Contreras back in action, the team's determination to compete fiercely within the division will undoubtedly be on full display.