Willson Contreras Rejoins St. Louis Cardinals for Crucial Series Against Atlanta Braves
The St. Louis Cardinals have activated catcher Willson Contreras from the injured list ahead of Monday's series opener against the Atlanta Braves. This marks Contreras' first appearance at the big-league level since fracturing his forearm on May 7.
Before his injury, Contreras was a key offensive contributor for the Cardinals, boasting a .280/.398/.551 slash line along with six home runs and 12 RBIs in his first 31 games. His performance had earned him an impressive 1.7 Wins Above Replacement (WAR), according to Baseball Reference. Contreras had suffered his fractured forearm when he was hit on a swing by New York Mets designated hitter J.D. Martinez.
In the roster shuffle preceding Contreras' return, the Cardinals optioned backup catcher Nick Raposo to Triple-A Memphis. Raposo had been recalled recently after Iván Herrera required a stint on the injured list due to lower back tightness. For now, Pagés will serve as Contreras' backup until Herrera returns to active duty.
Additionally, the Cardinals activated right-handed reliever Nick Robertson off the injured list and optioned him to Triple-A Memphis. These adjustments aim to solidify the team as they navigate the grind of the season and vie for postseason contention.
Contreras' return couldn't be more timely for the Cardinals, who found themselves with a 15-21 record and 6.5 games back in the National League Central at the time of his injury. Since then, they've climbed to a 39-37 record, putting them just five games behind the Milwaukee Brewers in the division. If the season were to end today, St. Louis would be one of the National League's three wild-card teams, holding the second spot.
As Contreras steps back into the lineup, the Cardinals are set to face a pivotal series against the Atlanta Braves. This segment of the season represents a critical juncture for the club, as they aim to capitalize on their improved standing and make a strong push towards the playoffs.
Contreras, 32, is in the second year of a five-year deal with the Cardinals worth more than $87 million. His return brings a wealth of experience and talent back to a team eagerly eyeing postseason success. Catcher Pagés will continue to provide support as backup, contributing to the teamwork needed to sustain the Cardinals' momentum.
With Contreras back in action, the focus now shifts to maintaining their upward trajectory and competing fiercely within the division. Each game in this series against the Braves will be crucial, highlighting the importance of every player's role in the team's success. The Cardinals' ability to leverage Contreras' offensive and defensive strengths could be a determining factor in their race for a playoff berth.