St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Lars Nootbaar is set to hit the injured list after sustaining an oblique strain during an at-bat on May 29. Nootbaar experienced discomfort while swinging at a low pitch in the seventh inning of the victory against the Cincinnati Reds. Despite the injury, he completed the at-bat.
Following an MRI on Friday, the team announced Nootbaar’s placement on the 10-day IL retroactive to May 30. In a corresponding move, the Cardinals called up Jose Fermin from their Triple-A affiliate, the Memphis Redbirds. The setback comes at a crucial time for the Cardinals, who have been performing strongly.
#STLCards Lars Nootbaar appeared to injure his left side during the at-bat
He finished out the at-bat and was seen reaching at it after grounding out to first base as well pic.twitter.com/8Icth8jA89
— Mike Kurland (@Mike_Kurland) May 29, 2024
Nootbaar has been a significant contributor since rejoining the team. Initially sidelined with a rib injury, he returned on April 12 and has posted a .234/.337/.404 slash line in 39 games. Despite a relatively low batting average, Nootbaar has delivered key hits, including five home runs and 19 RBIs. He boasts one of the League’s top walk rates and a hard-hit percentage ranking among the best.
Since his return, Nootbaar has been a fixture in the Cardinals’ lineup, featuring in 38 of their last 41 games. His defensive prowess ranks him among the top outfielders in the league for range and arm strength, according to Baseball Savant.
With Nootbaar sidelined, the Cardinals will lean heavily on outfielders Dylan Carlson and Brendan Donovan, who have already established themselves as regular starters. Donovan has produced solid numbers, while Carlson has struggled since his return from the IL, hampered by an injury sustained during Spring Training.
INF José Fermín has been recalled from Memphis (AAA).
OF Lars Nootbaar has been placed on the 10-day injured list (oblique strain), retroactive to May 30th.
RHP Giovanny Gallegos will begin a rehab assignment tonight (Friday) in Memphis. pic.twitter.com/pktEqRWAfZ
— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) May 31, 2024
Fermin arrives from a productive stint in Triple-A, where he boasts an impressive .346/.461/.615 slash line in 32 games. With his ability to hit for power, draw walks, and steal bases, Fermin provides a promising option for the Cardinals. Despite his limited Major League experience last season, Fermin’s strong performance in Triple-A suggests he could make a significant impact.
