Lars Nootbaar To Hit In Simulated Game Friday
9 months agoSt. Louis Cardinals outfielder Lars Nootbaar (ribs) is expected to hit against right-hander Sonny Gray (hamstring) in a simulated game on Friday. Nootbaar was forced to open the regular season on the injured list due to two non-displaced fractured in his left rib cage, but he's advancing to facing live pitching and could return to the team as early as April 4 as long as he doesn't suffer any setbacks. The Cardinals could use him back, too, with Tommy Edman (wrist) and Dylan Carlson (shoulder) also opening the year on the IL. Thumb, back and abdominal issues sent the 26-year-old to the IL three separate times last year, too, but he still managed to match his career-high with 14 home runs while also stealing a career-high 11 bases in 117 games. If Nootbaar can ever put injuries behind him, he'll be an intriguing everyday power/speed guy for the Cards.
Source: St. Louis Post-Dispatch - Derrick Goold
Source: St. Louis Post-Dispatch - Derrick Goold