The St. Louis Cardinals linger within the competitive National League Central division, trailing the Milwaukee Brewers by 6.5 games alongside two other teams. Despite the absence of their star catcher, Willson Contreras, who suffered a fractured arm in early May, there’s a glimmer of hope as his return appears imminent.
Contreras sustained the injury when J.D. Martinez struck his arm while swinging during a game against the New York Mets. However, there’s positive news as Contreras has been cleared to resume full baseball activities, marking a significant milestone in his recovery.
“A month after fracturing his left arm, Cardinals catcher Willson Contreras has been cleared to resume full baseball activities,” reported Daniel Guerrero of the St. Louis Post Dispatch. Contreras underwent a CT scan and participated in a bullpen session at Busch Stadium, with plans to initiate a hitting progression soon.
Prior to his injury, Contreras had been pivotal for the Cardinals, boasting impressive stats with a .280 batting average, 6 home runs, 12 RBIs, and a .950 OPS. His absence was sorely felt, underlining the importance of his return.
While the Cardinals are eager for Contreras’ comeback, they prioritize his complete recovery before reinstating him. With the season progressing, the team recognizes the significance of having Contreras in peak condition for a potential playoff push later in the year.
In Contreras’ absence, Ivan Herrera has admirably filled the catcher’s role, posting solid numbers. However, the Cardinals and their fans eagerly anticipate Contreras’ return, given his superior skills and three-time All-Star status.
Though there’s still some ground to cover in Contreras’ rehabilitation, the prospect of his return, possibly by late June, is cause for optimism. In the meantime, the Cardinals strive to maintain their competitive edge, recognizing the significance of their upcoming games in shaping their playoff aspirations for the season.
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