The St. Louis Cardinals could be getting a key offensive piece back soon. Outfielder Lars Nootbaar is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment in Double-A on Friday. Nootbaar has been out of the lineup since May 29, when he injured his oblique during an at-bat.
Key Cardinals Outfielder To Start Rehab Assignment Friday
Cardinals Manager Oliver Marmol confirmed that Nootbaar would begin a rehab assignment on Thursday after the Cardinals 11-4 loss to the Cincinnati Reds. Marmol said Nootbaar would play five innings on the field with the Springfield Cardinals then work his way up.
Nootbaar’s Timeline
Nootbaar is projected to need at least five or six games to get back up to game shape and get his timing right. He has been away from baseball for almost a month. Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak told Bally Sports Midwest that the team doesn’t want to rush him back on June 18.
The lefty batting Nootbaar has slashed .234/.337/.742 with five home runs and 19 RBIs in 39 games this season. According to Baseball Savant, he’s in the top 17 percent of the league for defensive range among outfielders and the top 25 percent of the league for arm strength. While the Cardinals are eager to have him back in the lineup, they will likely be cautious for fear of re-injury.
Plagued With Injuries
The most recent IL stint for Nootbaar is his fifth in the last two seasons. He was on the IL from the start of the season until April 12 this year with a rib injury. He also had thumb, back, and groin injuries, which resulted in IL stints in 2023.
The Cardinals have had great replacement players for Nootbaar and other injured outfielders like Tommy Edman and Dylan Carlson this year. Alec Burleson has proven to be an offensive power, and Michael Siani is drawing gold glove buzz. However, an outfielder who is a threat both offensively and defensively is an attractive piece to a contending Cardinals team.
Injury Rehab Will Determine Trade Deadline Strategy
The return of catcher Willson Contreras was a boost to the Cardinals offense this week. With Nootbaar’s return on the horizon and Tommy Edman potentially not far off, the Cardinals will evaluate how the team looks while mostly healthy before making any trades.
“The real test is what do we look like health wise as we enter mid- to late-July, because that will determine really what we’re looking to do,” Mozeliak said on June 18. “Overall, I feel that the club is playing better. We’re excited knowing we’re going to get some players back sooner rather than later. Then we’ll determine what’s out there and if there’s something that makes sense.”
The return of the bats to the lineup may temper the urge to add more offense. Mozeliak has consistently said the Cardinals want to add pitching — both starting and bullpen arms. If Nootbaar can be productive in his return, the Cardinals will have more options on trade pieces moving forward.
Main Photo Credits: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports
