The Trainer's Room

The Trainer’s Room

Let’s start in the outfield.

Lars Nootbaar
Injury: Surgery on both heels
Expected return: Opening Day?

Nootbaar underwent surgery on October 7 and is currently rehabbing in California. He’s progressing on schedule. He won’t be in Jupiter for the first full-squad workout on February 16, as the club is waiting on specialized rehab equipment to arrive at the spring complex.

This isn’t a setback — just logistics. If all continues as planned, Opening Day remains realistic. But heels aren’t something you rush. The Cardinals will be cautious here.

Now to the mound.

Hunter Dobbins
Injury: Torn right ACL
Expected return: TBD

Dobbins tore his ACL last July — about five months before being acquired from Boston in the Willson Contreras trade. He is currently able to throw but is being held out of agility drills.

The club expects to have a clearer timetable next week.

Translation? The arm is ahead of the legs. They’re not going to gamble on stability.