The St. Louis Cardinals have received a major boost to their lineup as catcher Willson Contreras has been activated from the injured list just in time for Monday's series opener against the Atlanta Braves. This comes as a significant development for the team, especially as they gear up for a crucial part of the season.
Contreras Returns to Action
Contreras, who fractured his forearm on May 7 after being hit by a swing from New York Mets designated hitter J.D. Martinez, will be making his first appearance at the big-league level since the injury. Prior to this unfortunate event, Contreras had been a key player for the Cardinals, showcasing an impressive .280/.398/.551 (167 OPS+) with six home runs and 12 RBIs over his initial 31 games. His contributions had been particularly significant, reflected in an estimated 1.7 Wins Above Replacement, according to Baseball Reference.
The 32-year-old Contreras is currently in the second year of a substantial five-year contract with the Cardinals worth over $87 million. His return comes at a pivotal time as the Cardinals look to maintain and build upon their current momentum.
Changes to the Roster
To make room for Contreras, the Cardinals have optioned backup catcher Nick Raposo to Triple-A Memphis. Raposo had been recalled recently to fill in after Iván Herrera was sidelined with lower back tightness. For now, Pagés will serve as Contreras' backup until Herrera is ready to return to active duty, ensuring that the team remains well-covered in the catching department.
In another roster move, the Cardinals also activated right-handed reliever Nick Robertson from the injured list, subsequently optioning him to Triple-A Memphis. These strategic adjustments highlight the team's efforts to keep their roster flexible and competitive as they navigate through the season.
A Crucial Moment for the Cardinals
When Contreras suffered his injury, the Cardinals were struggling with a 15-21 record, positioning them 6.5 games back in the National League Central. However, as of Monday's game, the Cardinals have made significant strides, boasting a 39-37 record and sitting just five games behind the division-leading Milwaukee Brewers. If the season were to end today, the Cardinals would hold one of the three National League wild-card spots, a testament to their resilience and ability to recover from a slow start.
The return of Contreras, therefore, could not have come at a better time. His presence promises to add both offensive firepower and stability behind the plate. As the Cardinals prepare to face the Atlanta Braves, a team that consistently competes at a high level, having Contreras back in the lineup will be invaluable.
Looking Ahead
As the Cardinals aim to stay in the playoff contention, Contreras' return brings much-needed optimism and confidence. With critical games ahead, the team will look to leverage his experience and skill to sustain their momentum and compete fiercely within the division. The additions and adjustments to the roster demonstrate the club's commitment to fielding the best possible lineup as they push toward the postseason.
In conclusion, the activation of Willson Contreras not only marks the return of a key player but also signals an added layer of competitiveness to the Cardinals’ roster. The team and its fans will undoubtedly look forward to seeing Contreras back in action, contributing once again to their pursuit of success this season.