Injuries to Watch as Opening Day Nears

The Cardinal Chronicle
The Trainer’s Table: Injuries to Watch as Opening Day Nears
St. Louis, MO
By Ray Mileur

Every season, before a single meaningful inning is played, the game reminds you of one hard truth — depth isn’t a luxury, it’s survival.

As the Cardinals prepare for Opening Day on March 26, they’re already navigating a handful of injuries that will test both their roster flexibility and organizational depth, particularly in the outfield and on the mound.

Nothing catastrophic. But enough to matter.

Lars Nootbaar (OF)
Out — 10-Day Injured List (Heel Surgery)

Nootbaar’s absence is the one that lingers over this roster.

After undergoing surgery on both heels in October to correct Haglund’s deformities, he’s begun running but remains without a clear timetable. The club placed him on the 10-day IL, but let’s be honest — this has the feel of a long play.

An argument can be made he should already be on the 60-day IL, because a realistic return likely falls somewhere in the June to July window.

Until then, the Cardinals will have to patch together production in the outfield.

 
Zack Thompson (LHP)
Out — Shoulder Recovery

Thompson continues to work his way back from August shoulder surgery. He’s on a throwing program, which is encouraging, but he’s not close to game-ready.

Best-case scenario? Early-to-mid summer.

For now, he remains a depth arm the club simply can’t count on.

 
Hunter Dobbins (RHP)
Out — Torn ACL

Dobbins’ situation is a bit unusual — he’s throwing, but limited physically due to the ACL tear.

He’s listed day-to-day, but that label doesn’t tell the full story. Without full mobility and agility work, his return timeline remains uncertain.

This is more “wait and see” than “day-to-day.”

 
Tekoah Roby (RHP)
60-Day IL — Triple-A Memphis (Tommy John Recovery)

Roby’s timeline is straightforward and sobering.

Still recovering from July 2025 Tommy John surgery, he’s expected to miss a significant portion — and possibly all — of the 2026 season.

That’s a hit to upper-level pitching depth, plain and simple.

 
Cooper Hjerpe (LHP)
Day-to-Day — Elbow Concern (Triple-A Memphis)

Hjerpe has been optioned to Memphis but is dealing with an elbow issue.

The “day-to-day” label suggests caution more than crisis, but with young arms, the organization will take no chances.

This is one to monitor closely.

 
Brandon Clarke (RHP)
Out — Vascular Procedure Recovery

Clarke’s situation is unique and serious.

After undergoing a January procedure to address an aneurysm in his left arm, he’s expected to be sidelined until at least June.

Encouragingly, the issue was identified and addressed — now it’s about recovery and rebuilding strength.

 
Jefferson Moran (RHP)
60-Day IL — FCL Cardinals

Moran begins the year on the shelf in the Florida Complex League. Details remain limited, but the extended IL designation signals a longer-term absence.

 
Sem Robberse (SP)
60-Day IL — Elbow

Another arm down.

Robberse’s elbow issue lands him on the 60-day IL, thinning out pitching depth further at a time when the organization is trying to build continuity.

In an earlier report from The Cardinal Nation, Brian Walton has reported that as many as 12 players in the Cardinals system will begin the season on the 60-Day IL - this is obivously cause for some concern and perhaps some training issues that need to be addressed.