The St. Louis Cardinals have received a significant boost as they activated catcher Willson Contreras from the injured list just in time for Monday's series opener against the Atlanta Braves. Contreras, who has been sidelined since May 7 due to a fractured forearm, is set to make his much-anticipated return to the big league. His injury occurred after being hit on a swing by New York Mets designated hitter J.D. Martinez.
A Key Return
Contreras was having an impressive start to the season before his injury, boasting a .280/.398/.551 slash line with six home runs and 12 RBIs over his first 31 games. His contributions were valued at an estimated 1.7 Wins Above Replacement (WAR), according to Baseball Reference. Now, at the age of 32, Contreras is eager to pick up where he left off and help propel the Cardinals further in the National League Central standings.
At the time of his injury, the Cardinals were struggling with a 15-21 record and were 6.5 games back in their division. Since then, the team has significantly improved, standing at 39-37 as of Monday and just five games behind the Milwaukee Brewers. This remarkable turnaround has positioned the Cardinals as the second of three National League wild-card teams if the season were to end today.
Impact on the Roster
To make room for Contreras's return, the Cardinals optioned backup catcher Nick Raposo to Triple-A Memphis. Raposo had recently been recalled following an injury to Iván Herrera, who required a stint on the injured list due to lower back tightness. Pedro Pagés will now serve as Contreras’s backup until Herrera is fit to return.
In addition to activating Contreras, the Cardinals also activated right-handed reliever Nick Robertson from the injured list, subsequently optioning him to Triple-A Memphis. These roster moves reflect the team's strategy to maintain depth and flexibility as they navigate the latter part of the season.
High Stakes Against the Braves
The timing of Contreras's return couldn't be more critical as the Cardinals face a crucial series against the Atlanta Braves. With Contreras back in action, the team’s focus will be on sustaining their momentum and maintaining a competitive edge within the division.
Furthermore, Contreras's return is not just a boost in terms of performance but also morale. His presence behind the plate provides a stable and experienced figure for the pitching staff to rely on, which could be pivotal in closely contested games.
The Bigger Picture
Contreras is in the second year of a five-year deal with the Cardinals, worth over $87 million. His return represents an investment starting to pay off once more as he takes the field again. The Cardinals' management and fans alike will be watching closely, hoping that Contreras's early-season form can be reignited and sustained throughout the second half of the campaign.
As the Cardinals aim to solidify their postseason aspirations, the coming weeks will be crucial. The return of their star catcher provides not only a performance enhancement but also a significant psychological uplift. His reactivation sends a message to the rest of the league that the Cardinals are gearing up for a serious push towards October.
With Contreras leading the charge, the Cardinals are poised to compete fiercely within the division and beyond. As the season progresses, the anticipation builds, and every game holds weight in their journey back to the top.