The St. Louis Cardinals received a significant boost ahead of their pivotal series opener against the Atlanta Braves, as they activated catcher Willson Contreras from the injured list. Contreras, who had been sidelined since May 7 with a fractured forearm, is set to make his much-anticipated return to the big leagues.
Contreras' Impact Before Injury
Before his unfortunate injury, Contreras was a cornerstone of the Cardinals’ lineup. In the 31 games he played this season, the 32-year-old was hitting .280/.398/.551 with six home runs and 12 RBIs. His offensive prowess had been a key contributor to the team's performance, earning him an impressive 1.7 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) according to Baseball Reference. The injury, sustained when he was hit on a swing by New York Mets designated hitter J.D. Martinez, was a blow to both Contreras and the Cardinals. However, his return could reignite the flame that had been missing in the Cardinals' lineup.
Roster Moves and Depth Behind the Plate
In corresponding roster moves, the Cardinals decided to option backup catcher Nick Raposo to Triple-A Memphis. Raposo had recently been recalled to fill in after Iván Herrera went on the injured list due to lower back tightness. Now, Pagés will serve as the backup catcher until Herrera is ready to return. Additionally, the Cardinals activated right-handed reliever Nick Robertson off the injured list and also optioned him to Triple-A Memphis, optimizing the bullpen depth as they prepare for a crucial stretch of the season.
Contreras’ return couldn’t be timelier for St. Louis. At the time of his injury, the team was struggling with a 15-21 record and found themselves 6.5 games behind in the National League Central. Fast forward to now, and the Cardinals have clawed their way back to a 39-37 record, only five games back from the Milwaukee Brewers. As of Monday's game, the Cardinals would secure a National League wild-card berth if the season ended today—a testament to the team's resilience in keeping their playoff hopes alive.
The Return of a Leader
Just being back on the field could provide a significant morale boost for the team. Contreras is in the second year of a lucrative five-year deal with the Cardinals, valued at over $87 million. His leadership and experience behind the plate will be invaluable as the Cardinals navigate this crucial juncture of the season, facing tough opponents like the Braves.
"Having Contreras back in action changes the equation for St. Louis," an analyst could note. His presence not only stabilizes the lineup but also sets the tone for the fierce competition expected within the division.
The return of a player of Contreras' caliber often has far-reaching effects, not just statistically but also psychologically. Fans and teammates alike have eagerly awaited his return, hopeful that his comeback will spark a winning streak that could solidify their postseason ambitions.
Looking Ahead
With Contreras anchoring the lineup again, the focus now shifts to sustaining the momentum they've built in his absence. The Cardinals know all too well the importance of maintaining form and consistency as they aim to compete fiercely within the division. As they step into the series against the Braves, all eyes will be on how Contreras performs and how his return will influence the team dynamics both offensively and defensively.
The Cardinals start this crucial series with renewed optimism. If Contreras can replicate his pre-injury performance levels, there's every reason to believe St. Louis will continue its upward trajectory in the standings. His return is more than just a comeback; it's a statement of intent from a team that has battled adversity and now looks set to push for greater heights in the season's second half.