The St. Louis Cardinals have made a significant move ahead of their Monday series opener against the Atlanta Braves, activating catcher Willson Contreras from the injured list. This marks Contreras' return to the big-league level since he fractured his forearm on May 7, a welcome addition for a team eyeing a strong finish to their season.
Contreras' Return
Willson Contreras, who inked a five-year deal worth over $87 million with the Cardinals, had been performing impressively before his injury. Boasting a .280/.398/.551 slash line with six home runs and 12 RBIs over his first 31 games, Contreras had played a crucial role in the team's early-season efforts. His contributions, valued at an estimated 1.7 Wins Above Replacement according to Baseball Reference, underscore his importance to the Cardinals' lineup.
Contreras' injury occurred in an unfortunate incident when he was hit on a swing by New York Mets designated hitter J.D. Martinez. At the time of his injury, the Cardinals were struggling with a 15-21 record, sitting 6.5 games back in the National League Central. His absence was felt, but the team has managed to improve their standings in his absence.
Team Roster Moves
In corresponding roster moves, the Cardinals optioned backup catcher Nick Raposo to Triple-A Memphis. Raposo had been recalled to fill in after Iván Herrera required a stint on the injured list due to lower back tightness. For now, Pagés will serve as Contreras' backup until Herrera is ready to return to active duty. Additionally, the Cardinals activated right-handed reliever Nick Robertson off the injured list, also sending him to Triple-A Memphis.
Impact on the Season
The Cardinals, now with a 39-37 record, are five games behind the Milwaukee Brewers. If the season were to end today, they would find themselves as the second of three National League wild-card teams. Contreras' return is expected to be a substantial boost as they face the Atlanta Braves in a pivotal series.
The catcher’s presence will undoubtedly influence the Cardinals' ability to sustain momentum and compete fiercely within the division. As they battle through the latter part of the season, keeping Contreras healthy and productive will be key to their playoff aspirations.
In summary, the return of Willson Contreras brings a sense of optimism and reinforcement to a Cardinals team that has shown resilience in his absence. With vital games ahead, his impact will be closely watched as the Cardinals strive to secure their spot in the postseason.