Cardinals Star Reportedly Missing From Lineup Due To Unfortunate Injury

The St. Louis Cardinals are hope to have a fully fit squad by the time the playoffs arrive, having overcome significant difficulty this season with injuries. A major obstacle that the Cardinals overcome this season was the broken left forearm that hot-hitting catcher Wilson Contreras sustained from J.D. Martinez’s swing behind the plate of the New York Mets.

Thankfully, Contreras has returned to the St. Louis lineup; but, one of the two prospects who covered for him during his absence is also dealing with an ailment of his own. “Iván Herrera, who is at Triple-A Memphis, has a left shoulder strain,” Lynn Worthy of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch wrote on Saturday. “That’s why he’s been out of the lineup for an extended period.” In 54 big league games for St. Louis in 2024, Herrara has batted.279 with 10 extra-base hits, including three home runs, 19 RBIs, and a.718 OPS.

In relief of Contreras, the 24-year-old and Pedro Pagés each held their own behind the plate, and it was heartening to watch both of the young catchers generate runs. It’s reasonable to argue that both of them are prepared to start for a major league team based on how well they’ve played this season. Herrara was demoted down to Triple-A Memphis after Contreras returned off the injured list, where he performed admirably, hitting.241 with five extra-base hits, including three home runs, nine RBIs, and a.853 OPS in 18 games. Herrara’s situation doesn’t appear to be so bad right now. Thankfully, the injury does not affect his throwing arm, so perhaps he will recover quickly.