Willson Contreras injury update: Cardinals catcher lands on IL, ending first season of five-year contract

The St. Louis Cardinals will position veteran catcher Willson Contreras on the injured checklist with tendonitis in his left wrist, supervisor Oli Marmol informed newshounds Thursday. Contreras, who exited Wednesday’s contest within the 7th inning, will omit the remainder week-plus of the common season. In different phrases, this closes the e book on his first 12 months as a member of the Cardinals.

Contreras, 31, signed a five-year pact price just about $90 million with the Cardinals remaining December to prevail franchise legend Yadier Molina. Perhaps predictably, given Molina’s legacy, there have been some bumps alongside the way in which. Indeed, Contreras used to be relieved of his beginning catcher tasks in early May after the pitching personnel took exception along with his game-calling possible choices. At the time, the underperforming Cardinals urged they’d get him paintings within the outfield.

That plan by no means materialized, alternatively, and Contreras used to be reinstalled at the back of the plate simply over every week later, on May 15. He’ll end the season having made 97 appearances at catcher — or, 25 greater than he made in 2022 as a member of the Chicago Cubs. (To be truthful, he gave the impression in 12 extra video games total in 2023.)

Clearly the Cardinals become extra pleased with Contreras’ protection because the 12 months stepped forward, however the quantifiable facets of his recreation nonetheless graded as under common. He ranked 9th percentile in framing, in addition to the thirty fourth percentile in blockading. He did rank within the 87th percentile in stuck stealing fee.

Contreras additionally endured to supply offensively at well-above-average ranges. He hit .264/.358/.467 (125 OPS+) with 20 house runs and 67 RBI. Those marks have been proper in keeping with how he carried out in 2022, when he made his 3rd occupation All-Star Game look.

Contreras can most effective hope that his 2nd season with the Cardinals is smoother than his first — and, in all probability on a similar word, that the crew is extra a hit.