Hunter Dobbins Set for Rehab Start in Memphis

Hunter Dobbins Set for Rehab Start in Memphis
ST. LOUIS — The next step in Hunter Dobbins’ return is now official—and it begins Tuesday night in Memphis.

The St. Louis Cardinals will send right-hander Hunter Dobbins to Triple-A for a minor league rehab assignment, with Dobbins scheduled to start for the Memphis Redbirds in their home opener against the Norfolk Tides on March 31.

Cardinals President of Baseball Operations Chaim Bloom confirmed the move Monday, signaling that Dobbins has cleared the initial stages of his recovery from ACL surgery last July.

While his arm strength was built up during spring training, the organization placed him on the 15-day injured list (retroactive to March 22) due to one remaining hurdle—his ability to move, react, and trust the repaired knee in game situations.

That’s where this rehab assignment becomes meaningful.

This isn’t about velocity or pitch count—it’s about movement. Covering first base. Fielding his position. Getting off the mound without hesitation. The small things that become big things if they’re not right.

The Cardinals view Dobbins as a potential rotation piece later this season, and Tuesday’s start represents the first real test of whether his knee can hold up under live game conditions.

If he checks that box, the rest of the timeline starts to come into focus.

 
The Cardinal Chronicle
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