Nootbaar Nearing Next Step in Rehab

The Cardinal Chronicle
Nootbaar Nearing Next Step in Rehab
St. Louis, MO
By Ray Mileur

Lars Nootbaar is getting closer to taking the next step in his return to the Cardinals.

According to Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Nootbaar is nearing participation in extended spring training games as he continues working his way back from offseason surgery on both heels.

That is not an announcement of a return to St. Louis just yet, but it is a meaningful checkpoint.

Nootbaar has been rehabbing at the Cardinals’ spring training complex in Jupiter, where the club has been able to monitor his progress closely. Before he is assigned to a full-season affiliate for a formal rehab assignment, the Cardinals want him to knock off some rust in extended spring training games.

That is the sensible path. After surgery on both heels, this is not simply a matter of getting his swing timing back. The Cardinals will need to see how Nootbaar moves, how he reacts in the outfield, how he runs the bases, and how his body responds after game action.

Nootbaar remains on the 60-day injured list and is eligible to return May 24. The Cardinals are tentatively lining him up for a return around that date, assuming there are no setbacks.

For a club that has started to find some offensive rhythm, getting Nootbaar back would give the lineup another experienced left-handed bat, another on-base presence, and a proven major-league outfielder. His return would also create some interesting roster decisions, especially as younger players get opportunities and the Cardinals’ outfield picture still takes shape.

For now, the headline is simple: Nootbaar is progressing, extended spring training games appear to be the next step, and May 24 remains the date to circle.

No need to rush it. But there is finally a little movement on the Trainer’s Table.

The Cardinal Chronicle, in association with Gateway Sports