St. Louis Cardinals Receive Crucial Boost with Return of Willson Contreras
The St. Louis Cardinals received a significant reinforcement ahead of their pivotal series opener against the Atlanta Braves, activating catcher Willson Contreras from the injured list. Contreras, who fractured his forearm on May 7, is set to make his first appearance at the big-league level since the unfortunate incident.
To make room for Contreras, the Cardinals optioned backup catcher Nick Raposo to Triple-A Memphis. Interestingly, Raposo had only recently been recalled after Iván Herrera, another catcher in the Cardinals' system, required a stint on the injured list due to lower back tightness. Herrera's recovery continues, leaving Pages to serve as Contreras' backup until Herrera is ready to return to active duty.
Impact of Contreras' Return
Contreras' return cannot be understated. Before his injury, the 32-year-old was delivering an impressive performance, hitting .280/.398/.551 with six home runs and 12 runs batted in over his first 31 games. These contributions amounted to an estimated 1.7 Wins Above Replacement, according to Baseball Reference. His prowess at the plate and behind it was a cornerstone for the Cardinals, who struggled in his absence.
The fracture occurred in a match against the New York Mets when Contreras was struck by a swing from designated hitter J.D. Martinez. At the time of his injury, the Cardinals were floundering with a 15-21 record and lagging 6.5 games behind in the National League Central.
Season Outlook and Current Standings
Fast forward to today, Contreras returns to a team that has clawed its way back to a 39-37 record. They now sit just five games behind the Milwaukee Brewers in the same division. If the season were to end today, the Cardinals would secure a spot as the second of three National League wild-card teams.
This resurgence has set the stage for an essential face-off against the Atlanta Braves. Contreras' return is not just a boost in terms of skill; it also brings much-needed morale to a team that needs to maintain its momentum. As the Cardinals strive to stay competitive in a hotly contested division, every game is pivotal, and having their star catcher back in the lineup provides a significant advantage.
Roster Adjustments and Future Implications
Also returning from the injured list is right-handed reliever Nick Robertson, who has been optioned to Triple-A Memphis. This move, along with the adjustments around the catcher positions, showcases the Cardinals' strategic maneuvers to optimize their roster as they head into the season's critical phases.
Pagés, currently serving as Contreras' backup, plays a supporting role until Herrera's return. While Raposo heads back to Triple-A, the team’s depth at the catcher position remains a vital component to navigate the thick of the season.
Contreras' Contract and Value
Contreras is in the second year of a lucrative five-year deal with the Cardinals worth over $87 million. His return to the lineup is not just a testament to his physical recovery but also a reinforcement of the Cardinals' investment in his talent and leadership. The team’s management and fans alike will be hoping that his return can help the team accelerate its bid for postseason contention.
The Cardinals' journey so far has been a rollercoaster, but the infusion of a healthy Willson Contreras offers a revitalizing upside. With key games ahead, the focus now shifts to leveraging this momentum and rising to the challenges posed by their divisional opponents and beyond. Contreras’ presence behind the plate and in the batting order could very well dictate the trajectory of the Cardinals' season, making his return one of the most anticipated and potentially game-changing moments for the team in 2023.