Cardinals Slugger Could Be Back On Field Shortly After Latest Positive Update

One of St. Louis' sluggers could be back in the lineup shortly

The St. Louis Cardinals are slowly but surely starting to get healthy.

St. Louis has been bitten by the injury bug in a major way so far this season but is finally starting to get healthier. One position especially where the Cardinals have dealt with a plethora of injuries certainly is in the outfield. St. Louis entered the 2023 campaign with such a logjam in the outfield that the club optioned young phenom Jordan Walker down to the minor leagues, despite a solid start to his rookie year. 

The Cardinals have had a wide range of injuries impact its outfield configuration with Lars Nootbaar, Dylan Carlson, and Tyler O'Neill all missing time. Nootbaar and Carlson are back from injury but O'Neill still is sidelined, but it may not be long until he returns. The 28-year-old reportedly has started baseball activity and if all goes well, could begin a rehab assignment shortly, according to Belleville News-Democrat Cardinals beat writer Jeff Jones. 

"Tyler O’Neill is back to baseball activity — running, swinging, throwing, full smash," Jones said."He’s hopeful he’ll be headed out on a rehab assignment next week."

O'Neill last took the field for the Cardinals on May 4 and has missed time due to a lower back injury. His eventual return to the field will be a welcomed sight for the Cardinals. St. Louis is looking to make up some ground in the National League Central standings and could use all of the help it can get. O'Neill was slashing .228/.283/.337 when he went down to go along with two home runs and six RBIs in 29 games. 

The 28-year-old also has had his name in trade rumors seemingly all season so his return to the lineup could also boost his trade value if the club opted to go that route. The 2023 MLB Trade Deadline is set for August 1 and over the next month there's sure to be plenty of rumors. If O'Neill can return to the lineup shortly and get hot at the plate, those rumors may even intensify. All in all, hopefully, he can return to the lineup sooner rather than later to help St. Louis.

More MLB: Should Cardinals Firesale? MLB Insider Hints Blockbuster For Stars Could Be Best Move