The St. Louis Cardinals received a significant boost to their lineup as they activated catcher Willson Contreras from the injured list ahead of Monday's series opener against the Atlanta Braves. Contreras is set to make his first big-league appearance since fracturing his forearm on May 7, a development that has been highly anticipated by fans and teammates alike.
Key Roster Changes
In conjunction with Contreras' return, the Cardinals made several strategic roster moves. Backup catcher Nick Raposo, who was recently recalled due to Iván Herrera's stint on the injured list with lower back tightness, has been optioned back to Triple-A Memphis. Filling the backup role will be Pagés, who remains with the team until Herrera is ready to return to active duty.
Additionally, right-handed reliever Nick Robertson has also been activated off the injured list. However, the reliever has been optioned to Triple-A Memphis, indicating that the Cardinals are focusing on fine-tuning their roster with the strongest players as they approach a critical juncture in the season.
Contreras' Impact and Performance
Willson Contreras, 32, has been an invaluable asset to the Cardinals, as evidenced by his impressive statistics leading up to his injury. Before fracturing his forearm, Contreras had posted a .280/.398/.551 slash line with six home runs and 12 RBIs over 31 games, translating to an outstanding 167 OPS+. His contributions culminated in an estimated 1.7 Wins Above Replacement, according to Baseball Reference, underscoring his essential role on the team.
Contreras' injury occurred in a fluke accident when he was struck on a swing by New York Mets designated hitter J.D. Martinez. The timing was unfortunate for the Cardinals, who were struggling with a 15-21 record and sitting 6.5 games back in the National League Central at the time of his placement on the injured list.
Fast forward to the present, and the team's fortunes appear to have shifted. The Cardinals now boast a 39-37 record, sitting just five games behind the Milwaukee Brewers. This noticeable improvement has sparked hope that Contreras' return could be the catalyst needed to maintain their upward trajectory and secure a wild-card spot. If the season ended today, the Cardinals would be the second of three National League wild-card teams.
Strategic Implications
The return of Willson Contreras is timely, especially as the Cardinals face a pivotal series against the Atlanta Braves, another strong contender in the National League. With Contreras back behind the plate, the team is poised to solidify its defense and add power to its batting lineup. This comes at a crucial point in the season where sustaining momentum is key. His presence not only uplifts the team’s performance on the field but also boosts morale in the clubhouse.
Contreras is currently in the second year of a five-year deal with the Cardinals, worth more than $87 million. This significant investment is a testament to the franchise's belief in his ability to be a cornerstone of their lineup for years to come. His return is not just a short-term boost but a long-term asset as the Cardinals navigate the competitive landscape of Major League Baseball.
As the Cardinals continue to vie for playoff contention, the addition of Willson Contreras marks a pivotal period for the team. The franchise and its fans are undoubtedly eager to see how his return will influence their prospects, starting with this crucial series against the Atlanta Braves. With key players gradually returning to health, the Cardinals are well-positioned to make a serious push towards the postseason.