The return of Willson Contreras to the St. Louis Cardinals lineup marks a significant moment for the team as they gear up for a crucial series against the Atlanta Braves. The veteran catcher was activated from the injured list ahead of Monday’s series opener, adding firepower to the Cardinals' roster after a lengthy absence due to a fractured forearm.
Contreras Makes a Comeback
Willson Contreras is set to make his first appearance at the major-league level since sustaining his injury on May 7. The injury occurred in an unfortunate incident when Contreras was hit on a swing by New York Mets designated hitter J.D. Martinez. At the time of his injury, Contreras was boasting an impressive .280/.398/.551 slash line with six home runs and 12 RBIs in his first 31 games of the season. His contributions were significant, translating to an estimated 1.7 Wins Above Replacement according to Baseball Reference.
In Contreras' absence, the Cardinals have maneuvered their roster to keep the catching position stable. Nick Raposo, initially called up when backup Iván Herrera went on the injured list with lower back tightness, has now been optioned back to Triple-A Memphis to make room for Contreras. Pagés will continue to serve as the backup catcher until Herrera returns to full health.
Roster Adjustments Amidst Injuries
The activation of Contreras isn’t the only roster update for the Cardinals. Right-handed reliever Nick Robertson has also been activated off the injured list but has been immediately optioned to Triple-A Memphis. These moves underscore the Cardinals' strategic adjustments as they navigate a season peppered with injuries and the ongoing challenge of maintaining momentum in a competitive division.
Significantly, Contreras returns to a team that has shown resilience in his absence. At the time of his injury, the Cardinals were struggling with a 15-21 record, trailing 6.5 games behind the leaders in the National League Central. As of entering Monday’s game, they sport a much-improved 39-37 record and are only five games behind the Milwaukee Brewers. Should the season end today, the Cardinals would occupy the second of three National League wild-card spots.
A Vital Boost in a Pivotal Series
The return of Contreras couldn’t have come at a more opportune time. His presence adds depth and experience to a lineup that needs to maintain its push for postseason contention. The upcoming series against the Atlanta Braves is pivotal for the Cardinals, as they aim to solidify their standing in the division and enhance their playoff prospects.
Signed to an $87 million contract spanning five years, Contreras is in the second year of his deal with the Cardinals. His role is crucial not just for his defensive acumen behind the plate, but also for his offensive capabilities. The Cardinals will keenly look to him to provide leadership and spark both on and off the field.
With the team now positioned healthier in the standings, the focus will be on sustaining this upward trend. The activation of Contreras is a strategic move towards bolstering an already competitive side. As Pagés steps into the backup catcher role, the Cardinals' catching dilemma seems to have found a temporary solution pending Herrera’s full recovery.
This phase of the season brings its own set of challenges, but with a key player like Contreras back in the lineup, the Cardinals have reason for optimism. His return signifies more than just filling a roster spot; it symbolizes a rallying point for a team determined to make a deep run into October.