The St. Louis Cardinals have maintained relative consistency in their outfield roster recently, unlike many other team areas. As Opening Day nears, Victor Scott II is set to start in center field, with Jordan Walker occupying right field, provided no injuries occur during the coming weeks. The key uncertainty remains at left field, but this is not due to roster changes. Outfielder Lars Nootbaar remains with the Cardinals while continuing his recovery from offseason heel surgeries.
Current Status of Lars Nootbaar’s Recovery
According to Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Nootbaar is actively engaging in baseball-related activities and has increased his running regimen. He underwent surgeries on both heels during the offseason to remove a growth that caused ongoing inflammation, irritation, and substantial pain, affecting daily tasks as well as his play at Busch Stadium. Although the Cardinals have not set a definitive timeline for his full recovery, they are preparing their roster under the assumption that Nootbaar might not be available for Opening Day, while still keeping the door open for his potential participation this spring.
Team Strategy and Role for Nootbaar Moving Forward
Manager Oli Marmol emphasized that decisions concerning the left field position will not depend on how long Nootbaar is sidelined. Marmol also dismissed suggestions that Alec Burleson would transition to left field by the end of spring training, reaffirming that Burleson is slated to start the season at first base, with Ivan Herrera or another batter expected to fill in accordingly.
When fully fit, Nootbaar is anticipated to play a critical role in the Cardinals’ 2026 campaign, contributing both defensively in the outfield and offensively in the middle of the batting order. Should he miss the start of the season, the ideal outcome would involve a brief absence after Opening Day. A swift return to form would not only strengthen the roster but might also support the Cardinals’ potential plans to trade Nootbaar before the 2026 MLB deadline.
Outlook on Nootbaar’s Return and Its Implications
While a ready Nootbaar at Opening Day would be ideal, the fact that he remains a possible participant in spring games signals promising progress in his rehabilitation. This suggests he is not far from returning to full competitive play, which holds significance for both the team’s immediate season prospects and their strategic options later in the year.
