Two Star Cardinals outfielders reach milestones indicating return is near

The St. Louis Cardinals are playing well and catching the Milwaukee Brewers, first in the National League Central, despite multiple injuries this season.

Fortunately, Cardinals slugger Wilson Contreras returned from the injured list in Monday night's 4-3 win over the Atlanta Braves, where he made it 1-4 with an RBI single in the bottom of the fourth inning. and played receiver the entire game.

As St. Louis begins to heat up and look more like true playoff contenders, two star players could also soon return from injuries, increasing the club's chances of rising to the top of their division.

“Cardinals outfielder Lars Nootbaar (oblique strain) took batting practice in the cage today and reported no adverse effects,” John Denton of MLB.com reported Monday. “He will repeat that tomorrow,” said manager Oli Marmol. “Tommy Edman takes BP on the field today and he will start the machine on Tuesday and Wednesday. A rehabilitation stay will follow.”

Saint-Louis has been without Nootbaar since the end of May. The Cardinals rushed around Michael Siani, Dylan Carlson and Alec Burlson in right and center field to fill his spot while he recovers from his injury.

Nootbaar hit .234 with 13 extra-base hits, including five home runs, 19 RBIs and a .741 OPS in 39 games before being sidelined. The energy he adds to the club has been missed and his return to the lineup will be huge.

Edman was scheduled to be the starting center fielder on Opening Day, but did not play a single inning in 2024 due to discomfort from offseason wrist surgery. It's great to hear that a rehab assignment is imminent for him as St. Louis prepares to establish himself as a buyer before the July 30 trade deadline.

The return of both star players should help stabilize the outfield, but perhaps the Cardinals will bring back a former Gold Glove winner this summer to further bolster their depth.

More MLB: Cardinals considered 'leading contenders' to land pair of coveted free agent pitchers