The Trainer's Table Report

The Cardinal Chronicle
The Trainer’s Table Report
St. Louis, MO
By Ray Mileur

JUPITER, Fla. — As the calendar turns toward March, the Cardinals remain largely healthy in camp. Still, spring training always brings a handful of monitored recoveries and cautious timelines. Here’s where things stand across the roster.

Lars Nootbaar,  (LF) - continues working back from October surgery to address chronic heel pain in both feet. He arrived in Jupiter free of walking boots and has been hitting and throwing. Running drills have recently progressed to unaided work, though there is no firm timetable for full return. He has not been ruled out for Opening Day, but the club is taking a measured approach.

Riley O’Brien,  (RHP) - sustained a mild right calf strain during a February 14 bullpen session. He threw again on February 24 and is trending toward a mid-March return. The injury sidelined him from early World Baseball Classic action, but the expectation remains short-term recovery.

Hunter Dobbins,  (RHP) - is continuing his rehabilitation from a torn right ACL. He is able to pitch, though lateral agility remains limited. His timeline for unrestricted action is still to be determined.

Brandon Clarke,  (LHP) - is progressing following arm aneurysm surgery and is expected to be game-ready by June. The organization has been deliberate in mapping out his build-up.

Zack Thompson, (LHP) - remains on a structured throwing program after left shoulder surgery. A regular-season return date has not yet been established.

Ixan Henderson, (LHP) - has been shut down from throwing due to a left flexor strain. The club will continue evaluation before determining next steps.

Tekoah Roby, (RHP) - is likely to miss the entire 2026 season following Tommy John surgery.

One important clarification: catcher Iván Herrera is healthy. His withdrawal from the World Baseball Classic was due to insurance considerations, not injury. He is scheduled to catch his first game of Spring Training on Sunday.

Spring training is about preparation and preservation. The Cardinals are not facing widespread setbacks, but as always, health will shape early roster decisions and depth alignment as Opening Day approaches.