Red-hot Cardinals get huge boost in return of star catcher

The St. Louis Cardinals were seven games behind the Milwaukee Brewers and in last place in the NL

Central when Willson Contreras went on the disabled list in early May due to a fractured left arm.

On May 11, their ineptitude culminated in a losing skid of seven games, the worst of the season. With

a record of 15–24, they were nine games behind the Brewers in first place and in last place.

Since then, St. Louis has emerged as one of the league’s hottest teams, and on Monday, the starting

backstop for the squad will be back in play.

Since their low point, the Cardinals (39-37) have gone 24-13, climbed into second place in the

division, cut Milwaukee’s advantage in half, and—most importantly—acquired the second NL wild

card berth as of Monday.

They may have won eight of their last eleven games, but they’ll be happy to get Contreras back.

At the time of his injury, the three-time All-Star led St. Louis in runs scored (20), doubles (11), home

runs (six), walks (18), on-base percentage (.398), slugging percentage (.551), and OPS (.950). If he

had enough plate appearances to qualify, Contreras would lead the team in on-base percentage,

slugging percentage, and OPS. He is currently fourth among two-baggers.

After going 71-91 to end in the NL Central cellar in 2023, St. Louis is looking to avoid its first back-

to-back last-place finishes since the 1907 and 1908 seasons. The return of the ninth-year catcher

could help the Cardinals not only avoid that distinction but return to the playoffs as well.