Hunter Dobbins to Begin the Season on the IL

The Cardinal Chronicle
Hunter Dobbins to Begin the Season on the IL 
St. Louis, MO
By Ray Mileur

JUPITER, Fla. — The Cardinals will open the 2026 season without right-hander Hunter Dobbins, as manager Oliver Marmol confirmed Sunday that the 26-year-old will begin the year on the injured list.

“Dobbins will begin the season on the IL,” Marmol said, via Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

It’s not unexpected—but it is another checkpoint in what’s already been a long road back.

Dobbins continues to work his way back from ACL surgery last July, and while the progress has been steady, the finish line isn’t quite in sight yet. He stretched out to five innings on the back fields Saturday, a strong sign physically, but there’s still work to be done—particularly when it comes to fielding his position and regaining full game readiness.

That last part matters more than people think. Pitching isn’t just about the arm—it’s rhythm, reaction, and trust in your body when things break down in a split second.

At this point, the Cardinals are taking the cautious route—and rightly so, because this is a setback, not the end of the road for Dobbins.

There’s no benefit in rushing a pitcher back from a knee injury, especially one who still has development ahead of him. The organization wants Dobbins not just healthy, but complete—able to handle everything the position demands.

The early indication is that this may not be a long-term absence. If his progression continues without setbacks, Dobbins could factor into the picture sooner rather than later.

But—and this is the part that matters—there are no guarantees.

Even once fully healthy, Dobbins isn’t assured a spot on the major league roster.

The Cardinals are navigating a roster crunch, particularly on the pitching side, where competition has tightened throughout camp. Availability is one thing. Opportunity is another.Dobbin s will need both.

Old School Take

This is one of those moments where patience tells you more than performance.

A year from now, nobody will remember whether Dobbins missed Opening Day. What they’ll remember is whether he came back right.

The Cardinals aren’t just protecting a roster spot here—they’re protecting a pitcher.

And if Dobbins handles this the right way, takes the extra time, and finishes what he started in his rehab, there’s still a path forward.

It just won’t start on March 26.

 
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