The St. Louis Cardinals are set to receive a significant boost as they activated 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 due to a fractured forearm, will make his much-anticipated return to the big-league stage.
Contreras' Impact
Prior to his injury, Contreras had been a key contributor to the Cardinals' lineup. Through 31 games, the 32-year-old catcher was hitting an impressive .280/.398/.551, with an on-base plus slugging (OPS+) of 167. He also added six home runs and 12 RBIs to his tally, amassing an estimated 1.7 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) according to Baseball Reference. Contreras’ absence was deeply felt as his injury occurred during a critical period for the team.
Team Roster Adjustments
In corresponding moves, the Cardinals optioned backup catcher Nick Raposo to Triple-A Memphis. Raposo's stint with the major league team was brief, having been recalled to fill in for Iván Herrera, who is currently on the injured list with lower back tightness. Pagés is set to serve as Contreras' backup until Herrera is fit to return to active duty.
Additionally, the Cardinals have activated right-handed reliever Nick Robertson from the injured list and have also optioned him to Triple-A Memphis. These roster adjustments signal a strategic alignment as the Cardinals aim to fortify their squad for the crucial stretch ahead.
The Road to Recovery
Contreras' journey back to health has been carefully managed. The fracture in his forearm was caused by an unfortunate incident when he was hit on a swing by New York Mets designated hitter J.D. Martinez. His recovery process has been meticulous, ensuring that he returns to the field fully prepared to resume his role as a linchpin in the Cardinals' lineup.
Contreras is currently in the second year of a lucrative five-year deal with the Cardinals, worth over $87 million. His return comes at a pivotal time for the team, which currently stands with a 39-37 record, trailing the Milwaukee Brewers by five games in the National League Central. This marks a notable improvement from the 15-21 record the Cardinals held at the time of Contreras' injury, where they were 6.5 games back.
Looking Ahead
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 not only reinstates a powerful bat in the lineup but also provides an experienced leader behind the plate as the Cardinals gear up for a showdown with the Atlanta Braves.
The focus for the Cardinals now shifts to sustaining their momentum. Contreras' presence is expected to galvanize the team, providing both an offensive spark and defensive solidity. With Pagés stepping in as the backup catcher, the team has made clear that they are preparing for a sustained push towards postseason contention.
As the Cardinals face this crucial series against the Braves, all eyes will be on how Contreras integrates back into the lineup and whether he can maintain his pre-injury performance levels. For a team on the cusp of playoff contention, every game matters, and the return of a player of Contreras' caliber could be the difference-maker in their quest for postseason success.
Ultimately, the Cardinals' faithful will be eagerly watching as Contreras takes the field once more, hopeful that his return will herald a strong finish to the season. His ability to deliver both at the plate and behind it will be instrumental in determining how far the Cardinals can go in their push for glory.