Willson Contreras Activated, Poised to Lift Cardinals in Crucial Series

Willson Contreras Activated, Poised to Lift Cardinals in Crucial Series

The St. Louis Cardinals have received a significant boost with the return of their star catcher, Willson Contreras, who was activated from the injured list ahead of Monday's pivotal series opener against the Atlanta Braves. Contreras, who had been sidelined since fracturing his forearm on May 7, is set to make his first big-league appearance in nearly two months, a move eagerly anticipated by Cardinals fans and management alike.

In a corresponding move, the Cardinals have optioned backup catcher Nick Raposo back to Triple-A Memphis. Raposo had been filling in behind the plate after the team’s original backup, Iván Herrera, was placed on the injured list due to lower back tightness. For the time being, Pagés will serve as Contreras' backup until Herrera is fit to return to active duty.

Contreras brings a potent offensive presence to the Cardinals' lineup. Before his injury, the 32-year-old was boasting an impressive .280/.398/.551 slash line, with six home runs and 12 RBIs over his first 31 games, translating to a remarkable 167 OPS+. His performance had been valued at an estimated 1.7 Wins Above Replacement, according to Baseball Reference. The injury, sustained when Contreras was hit on a swing by New York Mets' designated hitter J.D. Martinez, was a significant blow to the team, both offensively and defensively.

Contreras returns to a Cardinals team that has shown resilience in his absence. At the time of his injury, the team had a 15-21 record and found themselves 6.5 games back in the National League Central. As they welcome Contreras back, the Cardinals sit at 39-37, only five games behind the Milwaukee Brewers. This improved record places them currently in the second of three National League wild-card spots if the season were to end today.

In addition to activating Contreras, the Cardinals have also activated right-handed reliever Nick Robertson from the injured list, though he was subsequently optioned to Triple-A Memphis. These roster moves indicate the team’s strategy to bolster their lineup and maintain flexibility as they approach the midseason mark.

Contreras, who is in the second year of a lucrative five-year deal worth over $87 million with the Cardinals, is undoubtedly a cornerstone of the franchise’s future. His return is expected to provide a significant boost both in terms of on-field performance and clubhouse morale. As the Cardinals gear up for a critical series against the National League-leading Atlanta Braves, Contreras’ comeback could not have been timelier.

The focus now shifts to sustaining the momentum they’ve built in recent weeks. With Contreras back behind the plate, the Cardinals are well-positioned to compete fiercely within their division and solidify their playoff aspirations. Every game from here on out carries heightened significance, and the return of a key player like Contreras might be the catalyst they need to elevate their game to the next level.

As the series against the Braves unfolds, all eyes will be on Contreras, not just for his offensive contributions but also for his leadership and defensive acumen. How the rest of the team responds to having their star catcher back will be crucial as they navigate the challenges that lie ahead.