The St. Louis Cardinals’ 2024 MLB season has faced challenges, and on Tuesday night, catcher Willson Contreras encountered a significant setback. During the game against the New York Mets, Contreras was struck by a swing from J.D. Martinez, leading to an injury that will keep him out of action for weeks.
Martinez’s swing made contact with Contreras’s arm, causing visible pain and forcing him to leave the game. Contreras attempted to shake it off but ultimately required assistance from the team’s training staff.
Reflecting on the incident, Martinez expressed remorse, noting the impact felt “like hitting meat.” Contreras’s injury necessitates surgery, sidelining him for at least six weeks.
Speaking about his disappointment, Contreras acknowledged the challenge of watching from the sidelines but pledged to support his team. In his absence, Ivan Herrera stepped in as his replacement.
The Cardinals placed Contreras on the 10-day IL and called up Pedro Pages from Triple-A Memphis. Losing Contreras is a significant blow for the team, particularly given their struggles to generate runs consistently this season. Contreras boasted a .280 batting average with six home runs and 12 RBI, providing a reliable offensive presence.
Starting pitcher Miles Mikolas lamented Contreras’s absence, describing him as the team’s “beating heart.” Mikolas also suggested measures to protect catchers from similar injuries in the future, emphasizing the importance of player safety.
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