The St. Louis Cardinals have activated catcher Willson Contreras from the injured list, the team announced Monday. The 32-year-old three-time All-Star will provide a crucial boost for a St. Louis team currently climbing the standings in the National League Central division.
St. Louis heads into Monday's game against the Atlanta Braves with a 39-37 record. The Cardinals trail the Milwaukee Brewers by five games in the division. If the season ended today, the Cardinals would have an NL Wild Card spot.
2023 was a disaster for the team despite entering the season with high expectations. Fans were not sure what to expect in 2024 following the Cardinals' forgettable 2023 performance. St. Louis has played better this year, however.
They are hoping to further separate themselves from the .500 mark. Contreras' return from his arm injury will be important in that goal. The veteran catcher has appeared in only 31 games so far in 2024 due to injury. He had been on the verge of returning over the past few days, and the announcement was officially made on Monday.
So what does Contreras' return mean for St. Louis?
Willson Contreras' impact on Cardinals
Contreras is one of the best offensive catchers in baseball. He is slashing .280/.398/.551/.950 across 31 games in 2024. He has hit six home runs and 11 doubles as well.
Many catchers in today's game struggle from an offensive standpoint. They tend to hit towards the bottom of the lineup and are defensive-focused. Contreras, though, is an offensive weapon who can hit for average and power.
He missed around six weeks of action. The Cardinals have played .500 baseball for the most part in 2024. Perhaps they will take another step forward with Willson Contreras back in the lineup.
He will hit third and catch on Monday night against the Braves, according to Bally Sports Midwest.
Nolan Arenado remains out
While the Cardinals received great news with Willson Contreras' return, the same cannot be said for third baseman Nolan Arenado. Arenado is out once again on Monday as Brandon Crawford will take over duties at the hot corner.
Arenado is battling a forearm injury. The Cardinals are hopeful he can return soon, but he's considered day-to-day for now.
2024 has not been Arenado's best season by any means. The eight-time All-Star has slashed .257/.315/.371/.686 across 71 games played. He has also hit six home runs and 13 doubles.
At 33 years old, the Cardinals are hoping decline is not becoming a big factor in his struggles. Perhaps he will find his footing and return to form in the second half of the season. Arenado is a future Hall of Famer and he's far too talented to continue to struggle at such an alarming rate.
If Arenado can bounce back, the Cardinals will find themselves in a good position to potentially catch the Brewers in the NL Central. For now, Arenado is focused on recovering from his current injury and returning soon.
Meanwhile, the Cardinals will attempt to defeat the Braves at home on Monday evening. First pitch is scheduled for 7:45 p.m. EST.
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