Cardinals Catch a Break as Willson Contreras Avoids Major Injury After Scare
The St. Louis Cardinals received welcome news Tuesday after catcher Willson Contreras underwent X-rays on his left hand, which came back negative. Contreras was hit by a pitch during the fourth inning of the game against the Pirates, sparking immediate concern. However, per Katie Woo of The Athletic, no structural damage was found, and Contreras is now listed as day-to-day.
While he’s expected to rest for a few days, there’s hope he could return as early as Friday when the Cardinals face the Cubs at Wrigley Field. His absence, even short-term, is notable — Contreras is hitting .249 with 11 home runs and 51 RBIs over 81 games, and is a cornerstone of both the Cardinals’ lineup and pitching management.
The timing of this update is crucial. The Cardinals are battling in a tight National League Wild Card race, sitting just ahead of the Padres for the final playoff spot. Contreras’ veteran leadership, offensive production, and defensive flexibility have been critical to the team’s success, making his presence difficult to replace.
With the Cardinals struggling for offense and locked in close matchups — like their current series against the Pirates — keeping Contreras healthy could be the difference between holding onto a playoff spot or falling behind. Fortunately for St. Louis, the X-ray results mean their key catcher may miss little time, offering a sigh of relief during a pivotal stretch.
