Reinforcements Reportedly On Way As Cardinals Look To Dig Themselves Out Of Massive Hole

One of St. Louis' most important players is on his way back to the lineup

The St. Louis Cardinals may have an important player back in the lineup sooner rather than later.

St. Louis currently is 14 games below .500 with a disappointing 27-41 record and has struggled in June going 2-8 over its last 10 games. The Cardinals in general have struggled this season, but the club has been bitten by the injury bug in a major way. St. Louis has been without the services of starting outfielder Lars Nootbaar since May 29, but he reportedly is making progress as he looks to return to the field, according to The Athletic's Katie Woo. 

"Lars Nootbaar is set to join (the Memphis Redbirds) in Jacksonville this week," Woo said. "He’ll spend the next couple of days ramping up baseball activity and the hope is he’ll be cleared to play in games by the weekend."

The Cardinals' offense has been struggling lately so the eventual addition of Nootbaar back into the lineup certainly will help. St. Louis has lost four straight games and has scored just 13 runs over the stretch. If Nootbaar can return to game action shortly, he only could help. 

The 25-year-old has dealt with multiple injuries so far this season but still is in the middle of what could be the best season of his young career. In 42 games Nootbaar has slashed .266/.380/.390 to go along with four home runs and 21 RBIs while also playing solid defense in all three outfield spots. 

It certainly has been a down year so far for the Cardinals but Nootbaar's eventual return to the lineup only should help. Hopefully, we are able to see Nootbaar back in the field at Busch Stadium shortly.

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