Lars Nootbar Expected to Open Season on Injured List?
It is "fair to assume" that St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Lars Nootbar (heel) will open the 2026 MLB season on the injured list, according to Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat. Nootbar underwent a significant double-heel surgery during the offseason. He has no timetable for his return, and Jones expects him to land on the injured list "until he proves he can go at game speed." The 28-year-old played a career-high 135 games last season, slashing .234/.325/.361 with 13 home runs, an 11% walk rate, and a 20.4% strikeout rate. He posted a career-low 96 wRC+ along the way. He also had a rough year defensively, tallying -1 OAA and -4 FRV across all three outfield spots. Nootbar is an intriguing bounce-back candidate, but first, he'll need to get healthy. While he's on the IL, the Cardinals will likely deploy an outfield of Nathan Church, Victor Scott II, and Jordan Walker.
Source: Jeff Jones
Source: Jeff Jones
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