What's Happening?
The St. Louis Cardinals have announced that three of their players, Lars Nootbaar, Brendan Donovan, and Ivan Herrera, have undergone surgeries. Nootbaar had surgery on both heels, Donovan underwent a sports
hernia repair, and Herrera had elbow surgery to remove bone spurs. The recovery timelines for these players are currently uncertain, which could affect the Cardinals' roster decisions and player availability for the upcoming season.
Why It's Important?
These surgeries could impact the Cardinals' offseason strategy, particularly in terms of player trades and lineup adjustments. Nootbaar and Donovan are both arbitration-eligible, and their health status may influence contract negotiations. Herrera's surgery adds complexity to the Cardinals' depth at catcher and designated hitter positions, potentially prompting the team to explore trade options or adjust their lineup strategy.
What's Next?
The Cardinals will need to assess the recovery progress of these players and make decisions regarding their roles in the upcoming season. This may involve exploring trade opportunities to manage depth and ensure competitive performance. The team's management will likely monitor the players' rehabilitation closely to determine their readiness for spring training.