Young outfielder Lars Nootbaar quickly became a global sensation during the World Baseball Classic when he helped guide Team Japan to a title.
He started in left field on Opening Day for the St. Louis Cardinals on March 30.
Unfortunately, he was forced to miss a few games due to a jammed thumb, and on Monday, St. Louis received some bad news on the fan-favorite outfielder.
Moments before the first pitch of their game against the Atlanta Braves, it was announced that the young outfielder would be placed on the 10-Day injured list retroactive to March 31.
In a corresponding move, St. Louis recalled slugger Juan Yepez from Triple-A Memphis.
Cardinals reporter Alexa Datt announced the news on the pregame show.
Juan Yepez is back as Lars Nootbaar hits the IL. #STLCards
TV: Bally Sports Midwest
Stream: https://t.co/mXdDp7kepm pic.twitter.com/c8x52jYIoT— Bally Sports Midwest (@BallySportsMW) April 3, 2023
Fortunately for the Cardinals, the IL stint for Nootbaar is retroactive to last week, which means that if he only needs the minimum of 10 days to recover, he could be back as soon as April 10, when the Cards take on the Colorado Rockies.
Yepez being back gives the Cardinals a bit of a power boost from the right side of the plate.
Yepez hit 12 home runs in 2022 and hit for a .253 average.
He also delivered a clutch two-run homer in Game 1 of the Wild Card Series against the Philadelphia Phillies last October.
The slugger also brings a bit of versatility.
Yepez can play both corner outfield positions and can also be used at first base and third base.
With Nootbaar out, the Cardinals may continue to start Alec Burleson in left field or give Yepez some chances.
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