BALLER MOVE: Add in all leagues
ROSTERED IN: 41% of Leagues
ANALYSIS: St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Lars Nootbaar has yet to make his 2024 debut due to a fractured rib injury he suffered in March. However, the 26-year-old is making significant progress and could potentially return to the diamond as early as Friday.
Frozen ropes ONLY for Lars Nootbaar. The big leaguer rips a liner 110 MPH off the bat. #ForTheLou pic.twitter.com/a8fRVvLeYY
— Springfield Cardinals (@Sgf_Cardinals) April 10, 2024
Nootbaar was no stranger to the injured list, as he made three trips there last season due to back, thumb, and other abominable issues. This limited him to 117 games in 2023, where he posted a .261/.367/.418 stat line. The former eighth-round pick also scored 11 bags and hit 14 home runs last season.
Nootbaar showed great patience at the plate, with an incredible 14.3% walk rate, which placed him in the 95th percentile among all hitters. This makes him significantly more valuable in points leagues and on-base percentage rotisserie leagues.
When Nootbaar returns later this week, he should see the field every day, starting in left or center field. As a result, rookie Victor Scott II could see a decline in playing time, and Brendan Donovan may shift to a more prominent role in the infield.
The outfielder should be expected to finish with double-digit home runs and steals, making him a viable option in all leagues.
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