The St. Louis Cardinals have activated catcher Willson Contreras from the injured list, providing a timely boost ahead of their pivotal series opener against the Atlanta Braves. Contreras, who has been sidelined since fracturing his forearm on May 7, makes his much-anticipated return to Major League Baseball.
Contreras' Impactful Return
Before his injury, Contreras, 32, delivered a stellar performance, hitting .280/.398/.551 with six home runs and 12 runs batted in over his first 31 games. His impressive output contributed significantly to the Cardinals, earning him an estimated 1.7 Wins Above Replacement, according to Baseball Reference.
Contreras' injury occurred when he was struck by a swing from New York Mets designated hitter J.D. Martinez. The incident put a temporary halt to what was shaping up to be an outstanding season for the veteran catcher.
Team Roster Changes
In the corresponding roster moves, the Cardinals optioned backup catcher Nick Raposo to Triple-A Memphis, making room for Contreras' activation. Raposo had been recalled to the majors following an injury to Iván Herrera, who has been dealing with lower back tightness. The Cardinals also activated right-handed reliever Nick Robertson from the injured list and sent him down to Triple-A Memphis.
With Herrera still on the mend, Pagés will step into the role of backup catcher behind Contreras. This arrangement will remain in place until Herrera is fit to return to the active roster.
Performance Under Pressure
When Contreras sustained his injury, the Cardinals were struggling with a 15-21 record and found themselves 6.5 games behind in the National League Central division. Fast forward to the present, and the Cardinals have improved to 39-37, trailing the Milwaukee Brewers by just five games. If the season were to end today, the Cardinals would secure the second of three National League wild-card spots.
The return of Contreras is expected to provide a substantial boost for the Cardinals. His presence in the lineup not only strengthens their offense but also brings a veteran leadership that could be pivotal in their pursuit of a playoff spot.
Sustaining Momentum
Now that Contreras is back in action, the Cardinals will look to maintain their momentum as they compete fiercely within a tightly contested division. This series against the Braves presents an opportunity for the team to gauge their performance against one of the league’s top contenders.
Contreras, who is in the second year of a five-year deal worth more than $87 million with the Cardinals, will undoubtedly play a crucial role in the team’s strategy moving forward. His ability to perform under pressure and deliver consistent results will be key as the Cardinals navigate the remaining season.
Fans and analysts alike will be closely watching Contreras' performance in the upcoming games. His return is not just a significant moment for the Cardinals, but also a testament to his resilience and determination to overcome adversity.
As the series with the Braves unfolds, all eyes will be on Willson Contreras as he steps back onto the field, ready to contribute and lead the Cardinals in their quest for postseason glory.