Lars Nootbaar, a young outfielder for the St. Louis Cardinals, has recently found himself on the injured list due to a left thumb contusion. Nootbaar has been a promising prospect for the Cardinals, and his absence from the lineup is sure to be felt by both the team and its fans.
We will take a closer look at what happened to Nootbaar, the specifics of his injury, and what it might mean for his return to the Cardinals’ lineup. We will also discuss the player who has been called up to replace him and what we can expect from him.
What is the injury and how did it happen?
Lars Nootbaar’s recent placement on the 10-day injured list was due to a left thumb contusion. A contusion is essentially a bruise, which can occur when a part of the body is subjected to a blunt force impact.
In Nootbaar’s case, it’s unclear exactly how the injury occurred or whether it was a sudden injury or something that developed over time.
The Cardinals have not released many details about the injury, but it’s likely that Nootbaar experienced pain, swelling, and tenderness in his left thumb.
Depending on the severity of the injury, he may have also experienced difficulty gripping or holding onto a bat or glove, which would make it difficult for him to play at his usual level.
Injuries like thumb contusions are not uncommon in baseball, where players are constantly using their hands and fingers to grip and swing. It’s possible that Nootbaar’s injury occurred during a game or practice, or it could be the result of wear and tear over the course of the season.
Regardless of how it happened, the injury has sidelined Nootbaar and left the Cardinals looking for a replacement to fill his spot in the lineup.
How long will Nootbaar be out?
The typical recovery time for a thumb contusion can vary depending on the severity of the injury. For a mild contusion, recovery may only take a few days or a week. However, for a more severe contusion, it could take several weeks or longer for the injury to fully heal.
As of now, there has not been any official word from the Cardinals or Nootbaar himself regarding the severity of his injury or his recovery timeline.
However, given that Nootbaar was placed on the 10-day injured list on a retroactive basis from March 31, 2023, it is likely that the team is hopeful that he will be able to return to the lineup after the minimum 10-day period.
Of course, this is just speculation, and there are many factors that could impact Nootbaar’s recovery timeline. If his injury is more severe than initially thought or if he experiences setbacks during his recovery, it could take longer for him to return to the field.
On the other hand, if he responds well to treatment and is able to begin rehabbing his injury relatively quickly, he could return to the lineup sooner than expected.
Overall, it’s unclear at this point how long Nootbaar will be out of commission, but Cardinals fans will be hoping for a speedy recovery for the promising young outfielder.
Who will replace Nootbaar?
To fill the void left by Lars Nootbaar’s injury, the Cardinals have recalled outfielder/designated hitter Juan Yepez from Triple-A Memphis.
Yepez, who is 23 years old, was signed by the Cardinals as an international free agent in 2014 and has spent several years working his way up through the team’s minor league system.
Yepez is a versatile player who can play both in the outfield and at first base, making him a valuable asset for the Cardinals as they look to fill Nootbaar’s spot in the lineup.
He has shown promise at the plate as well, hitting .276 with 18 home runs and 77 RBIs over 119 games with Double-A Springfield in 2022.
While Yepez has yet to make his Major League debut, he has been on the cusp of being called up for some time now, and his strong performance in the minor leagues has earned him a shot with the big club.
It remains to be seen how much playing time Yepez will see during his stint with the Cardinals, but he certainly has the potential to make an impact both at the plate and in the field.
Fans will be keeping a close eye on Yepez as he makes his debut and tries to help the Cardinals overcome the loss of Nootbaar.
Lars Nootbaar’s Injury and Replacement
| Topic | Information |
|---|---|
| Injury | Left thumb contusion |
| How it Happened | Unclear – could be sudden or the result of wear and tear |
| Recovery Timeline | Unclear – likely out for at least 10 days |
| Replacement | Juan Yepez |
| Yepez’s Position | Outfielder/Designated Hitter |
| Yepez’s Background | Signed by Cardinals as international free agent in 2014 |
| Yepez’s Minor League Stats | .276 AVG, 18 HR, 77 RBI over 119 games with Double-A Springfield in 2022 |
This table provides a quick summary of the key information related to Lars Nootbaar’s injury and replacement, including the nature of his injury, how it might have happened, the expected recovery timeline, and the player who will be filling his spot in the lineup.
It also includes some background information on Juan Yepez, the player who has been called up to replace Nootbaar.
FAQs
When did Lars Nootbaar sustain his left thumb contusion?
The exact date of Nootbaar’s injury is unclear, but he was placed on the 10-day injured list retroactive to March 31, 2023.
How has Lars Nootbaar been performing for the Cardinals this season?
Nootbaar has had a limited role with the Cardinals so far this season, appearing in just one game as a pinch hitter before his injury.
Has Lars Nootbaar dealt with injuries in the past?
There is no record of Nootbaar sustaining any significant injuries during his time in the minor leagues, but he did miss time during the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
What can we expect from Juan Yepez in his stint with the Cardinals?
It’s unclear how much playing time Yepez will see during his stint with the Cardinals, but he has shown promise in the minor leagues and could make an impact at the plate and in the field.
When can we expect Lars Nootbaar to return to the Cardinals’ lineup?
There is no official timeline for Nootbaar’s return at this time, but the Cardinals will be hoping that he can return after the minimum 10-day stint on the injured list. However, his recovery timeline will depend on the severity of his injury and how well he responds to treatment.
Conclusion
Lars Nootbaar’s injury is certainly a blow for the St. Louis Cardinals, but the team is hoping that he will be able to return to the lineup after a relatively short stint on the injured list. While Nootbaar recovers, the Cardinals will turn to Juan Yepez to help fill the void in the outfield.
Yepez is a promising young player who has shown impressive skills both at the plate and in the field during his time in the minor leagues.
With any luck, he will be able to step up and help the Cardinals maintain their momentum as they continue their quest for a playoff spot.
Regardless of what happens, Cardinals fans will be hoping for a speedy recovery for Nootbaar and a successful debut for Yepez as he takes his place in the lineup.
