The St. Louis Cardinals fans have something to cheer about as the team activated catcher Willson Contreras from the injured list just in time for the series opener against the Atlanta Braves. Contreras' return marks his first appearance at the big-league level since he sustained a forearm fracture on May 7, an injury that had visibly impaired the Cardinals' performance and depth at the catcher position.
A Prolonged Absence
Willson Contreras, 32, had been one of the shining stars for the Cardinals before his injury. In his first 31 games, he boasted a slash line of .280/.398/.551 with six home runs and 12 RBIs, amounting to an impressive 1.7 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) according to Baseball Reference. Contreras' offensive and defensive contributions had been a cornerstone for the team, making his abrupt exit due to a fractured forearm while taking a swing against J.D. Martinez of the New York Mets especially impactful.
During Contreras' absence, the Cardinals had a record of 15-21 and were trailing the National League Central leaders by 6.5 games. As the team struggled to keep its momentum, the need for a reliable and experienced catcher became ever more apparent. Nick Raposo and Iván Herrera, who alternated at the position, stepped up in Contreras' absence, with Pagés also contributing as a backup. However, Herrera's stint on the injured list due to lower back tightness further strained the Cardinals' roster. Raposo was recently optioned to Triple-A Memphis to make room for Contreras' return.
Team Dynamics and Strategic Moves
In addition to Contreras' return, the Cardinals activated right-handed reliever Nick Robertson from the injured list, though he was subsequently optioned to Triple-A Memphis. These strategic moves indicate the Cardinals' focus on maintaining a versatile and dynamic roster as they continue to maneuver through a challenging season.
The importance of Contreras' return cannot be overstated. Not only does he bring a wealth of experience, but his offensive prowess will also offer the Cardinals a much-needed boost as they strive to improve their standing. As of Monday’s game, the Cardinals' record stood at 39-37, placing them just five games behind the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Central. If the season were to end today, they would qualify as the second of three National League wild-card teams.
A Pivotal Moment
The timing of Contreras' return is critical. The Cardinals are set to face the Atlanta Braves in a series that could significantly influence their playoff aspirations. Every game from this point is crucial, and having Contreras back behind the plate and in the batter's box will be instrumental in maintaining their momentum. With Pagés positioned as Contreras' backup until Herrera is ready to return, the team seems well-prepared to navigate the highs and lows of the remaining season.
Contreras is in the second year of a five-year, $87 million-plus contract with the Cardinals. This investment underscores the team's belief in his abilities and their expectation that he will play a pivotal role in guiding them through the remainder of the season. His return could serve as a catalyst for the Cardinals, injecting new energy and confidence as they continue their pursuit of a playoff spot.
With the series against the Braves on the horizon and the invigorating return of one of their star players, the Cardinals are in a position to define their season’s trajectory. Contreras' return is more than just a roster update; it represents hope and the potential for a strong finish to a turbulent season.