photo: Lars Nootbaar (Brian Walton/The Cardinal Nation)
The St. Louis Cardinals get their starting left fielder back from injury while sending their third catcher down to Triple-A.
On Thursday, April 11, the St. Louis Cardinals announced two transactions:
– Left fielder Lars Nootbaar activated from the 10-day injured list.
– Catcher Pedro Pagés optioned to Triple-A Memphis.
These moves were originally expected earlier in the week. However, they were delayed because Willson Contreras’ sore hand, the result of a hit-by-pitch in San Diego, restricted him from catching. Pagés was kept as a reserve behind Ivan Herrera.
Nootbaar’s rehab was moved from Memphis to Springfield this week, but he played just one game as the Double-A Cards were rained out on Wednesday. The 26-year-old finished his six games in the minors, five at Triple-A, playing in left field, right field and designated hitter. At the plate, the left-handed hitter went 4-for-21 (.190) including a double. Nootbaar drew four walks and struck out five times.
Nootbaar is expected to return to his starting role in left field for St. Louis. That leaves Alec Burleson and Herrera to join Brendan Donovan to compete for looks at designated hitter.
This spring, Nootbaar had played in just four games before suffering two non-displaced rib fractures in a Grapefruit League game on March 2. So, all told, he missed just short of seven weeks.
In his first stint in the major leagues, Pagés appeared in one game. On Sunday, April 7 against Miami, he made his debut, striking out as a pinch hitter.
Pagés will return to his role as the starting catcher for Memphis – until St. Louis again has a need.
With these moves, St. Louis’ injured list is down to six players – pitchers Keynan Middleton, Drew Rom and Riley O’Brien along with utilityman Matt Carpenter and outfielders Tommy Edman and Dylan Carlson.
For more
To see all players in the system by level and position plus every transaction all year ‘round, check out the always free Roster Matrix here at The Cardinal Nation, refreshed today.
Exclusively for members of The Cardinal Nation
Now Available – 2024 Cardinals Prospect Guide
The Cardinal Nation Prospect Guide is back for its seventh year. It includes 282 pages of in-depth commentary about more than five dozen of the best St. Louis Cardinals minor leaguers, including in-depth scouting reports, 2023 recap, extensive draft and international histories and more.
Special half-price off deal for paid subscribers. Order your PDF or printed book copy today.
Not yet a member?
Join The Cardinal Nation for the most comprehensive coverage of the St. Louis Cardinals from the majors through the entire minor league system.
Brian Walton can be reached via email at brian@thecardinalnation.com or for fastest turnaround, pose your questions on The Cardinal Nation’s members-only forum. Follow Brian on Twitter.
© 2024 The Cardinal Nation, thecardinalnation.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.