The St. Louis Cardinals activated Lars Nootbaar from the 10-day injured list Monday. Nootbaar, 26, has not played since May 29 due to an oblique strain. The outfielder went 6-for-23 with two home runs, three RBI and four runs scored over seven games during his rehab assignment with Double-A Springfield. Infielder José Fermin was optioned to Triple-A Memphis in a corresponding move.
Lars Nootbaar Activated from Injured List
Nootbaar’s return is the second presumed Cardinals starter to return from injury in the past week two weeks. Two weeks ago, the Cardinals activated Willson Contreras more than a month after he broke his arm.
OF Lars Nootbaar has been activated from the 10-day IL.
INF José Fermín has been optioned to Memphis (AAA). pic.twitter.com/0DdCQVIfh3
— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) July 8, 2024
“That’s what we were missing when he was gone, was a big right-handed bat,” Cardinals Manager Olliver Marmol said Sunday night. “He was doing a really nice job before getting hurt. Having him back he’s starting to find his timing. We’re seeing the result of it.”
Another Cardinals starter is scheduled to make a rehab start this week in Springfield, Tommy Edman. The Cardinals former Gold Glover hasn’t seen game action since last October after having surgery on his right wrist. Edman has been rehabbing with the team and with the training staff in Jupiter, Florida over the past few weeks.
The Cardinals’ Outfield Is Getting crowded
With Edman, Nootbaar, and Dylan Carlson all missing time this season, other outfielders have stepped up for the Cardinals. Alec Burleson has become one of the most effective bats in the League. Rookie Michael Sianni is making his case to be the best defensive center fielder in Baseball. Lately, Brendan Donovan has been a hot bat in the lineup. Carlson has had ups and downs in his two months since coming off the IL.
To make matters more complicated all but one of the five outfielders currently on the roster are Lefty batters. Carlson is the only exception as a switch hitter. Each day the outfielders will be auditioning for a role. However, still expect Nootbaar to get his fair share of opportunities to get in a groove because of his potential.
Main Photo: © Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports
