Cardinals Star, Breakout Candidate Reportedly Will Make Season Debut This Week

St. Louis fans should be excited about the club with reinforcements on the way

Feb 26, 2021; Jupiter, Florida, USA; A general view of the St. Louis Cardinals logo on the stadium / Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Reinforcements are on the way for the St. Louis Cardinals.

St. Louis had an up-and-down start to the 2024 campaign. The Cardinals currently are in last place in the National League Central with a 6-7 record. St. Louis has shown some flashes at times on the young season, but there still is work to be done.

One of the biggest reasons for the Cardinals' struggles so far this season is injuries. The Cardinals have been dealing with some serious ailments but it seems like things are finally starting to turn around. Cardinals ace Sonny Gray made his season debut this week and shined and starting outfielder Lars Nootbaar reportedly will do the same Friday, according to The Athletic's Katie Woo.

"Lars Nootbaar will also make his 2024 debut on Friday," Woo said. "The Cardinals plan to activate Nootbaar -- who missed the first two weeks of the season rehabbing from multiple rib fractures sustained in spring -- ahead of Friday's game and option reserve catcher Pedro Pagés, according to a league source."

Having Nootbaar back will go a long way for St. Louis. The 26-year-old shined last season for the Cardinals and slugged 14 home runs, drove in 46 runs, stole 11 bases, and slashed .261/.367/.418 in a career-high 117 games played.

The young outfielder had the best season of his young career in 2023 and is in line for an even bigger 2024 campaign. The fact that he's expected to return Friday is a great sign for St. Louis. The Cardinals are loaded with talent and should be able to fight for a playoff spot this season. Nootbaar's return only will help with this.

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