The St. Louis Cardinals began spring training with what can best be described as a minor but noteworthy logistical complication, one tied directly to the rehabilitation process of one of their key outfielders. As pitchers and position players started filtering into camp, the organization confirmed that Nootbaar would not be present for the initial reporting window. However, the reasoning behind his brief delay has nothing to do with a medical setback and everything to do with facility timing and equipment availability.
Nootbaar underwent heel surgery on October 7, 2025, a procedure that required a carefully structured and methodical recovery timeline. Since the operation, the Cardinals’ medical and performance staff have emphasized patience, understanding that lower-body injuries — especially those involving the heel and foot — demand deliberate progression to avoid aggravation or long-term complications. The organization has mapped out each phase of his rehab with precision, and to this point, he has hit every benchmark without issue.
At this stage in his recovery, Nootbaar has entered one of the most pivotal segments of the rehab process. He is currently running on an altered gravity treadmill, commonly referred to as an AlterG. This specialized equipment allows an athlete to run while reducing the percentage of body weight placed on the lower extremities. By decreasing impact stress, the AlterG provides a controlled environment where strength, stride mechanics, and mobility can be rebuilt gradually without exposing the healing area to full-force impact.
This step is crucial. Before Nootbaar can transition to traditional ground running at full intensity, he must demonstrate comfort, stability, and endurance under progressively increased load conditions. The AlterG essentially bridges the gap between basic strengthening exercises and unrestricted sprint work. It allows trainers to fine-tune how much weight the player carries during movement, carefully scaling from lighter support to near-normal body weight.
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Complicating matters, however, is the ongoing construction at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium, the Cardinals’ spring training complex in Jupiter, Florida. Renovations and facility upgrades have temporarily delayed the delivery and installation of an AlterG treadmill at the complex. The organization does have one on order, but construction timelines have pushed back its availability.
Rather than interrupting his rehab momentum or modifying his carefully designed program, Nootbaar and the Cardinals made a practical decision. He will remain at a training location where an AlterG is already accessible, ensuring continuity in his daily work. Disrupting the schedule at this stage could introduce unnecessary risk or regression. Maintaining routine, consistency, and progression is far more important than physically being present for the first few days of camp.
This clarification came via Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat, who relayed the update on his official X account (formerly Twitter). Jones explained that Nootbaar’s delayed reporting was strictly tied to the current stage of his rehabilitation and the lack of immediate access to the specialized treadmill at the Cardinals’ facility.
According to Jones, Nootbaar is precisely where the medical staff expected him to be in the rehab timeline. There has been no complication, no re-aggravation, and no negative report. The only issue is physical equipment availability due to construction-related delays. Once the AlterG arrives in Jupiter, Nootbaar will report to camp without hesitation.
For Cardinals fans, that distinction is significant. Spring training absences often spark speculation about lingering injuries or hidden setbacks. In this case, the message from the organization is clear: his recovery remains on schedule, and there is no indication that his readiness for Opening Day is in jeopardy.
That said, even minor delays can ripple into roster considerations. The Cardinals’ outfield depth already shifted earlier in the offseason when the club traded Brendan Donovan to the Seattle Mariners on February 2. Donovan’s versatility provided insurance across multiple positions, including left field. His departure narrows the margin for error, particularly if Nootbaar’s ramp-up requires additional caution once he transitions to full-speed baseball activities.
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In the meantime, several players could benefit from expanded opportunities in early camp workouts and exhibition games. Alec Burleson and Victor Scott II are among the candidates who may see increased reps in left field during the initial stretch of spring training. Both players bring different skill sets — Burleson with offensive upside and Scott with speed and defensive range — and the early exposure could help the coaching staff evaluate depth configurations more thoroughly.
From a broader perspective, the Cardinals appear to be prioritizing long-term stability over short-term optics. Rushing a player back for the sake of optics in mid-February would be shortsighted, especially when the ultimate goal is sustained availability throughout a 162-game regular season. The heel is a foundational structure in baseball movements — sprinting out of the batter’s box, planting in the outfield, accelerating toward fly balls, and pivoting on throws all depend heavily on foot stability.
The AlterG stage also allows biomechanical monitoring. Trainers can analyze stride symmetry, foot strike patterns, and comfort levels without full load. If subtle imbalances appear, adjustments can be made before progressing further. This layered approach significantly reduces reinjury risk.
The construction at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium, while temporarily inconvenient, is part of a broader investment into long-term facility improvements. When complete, the upgrades will likely enhance player resources, recovery options, and training infrastructure. In the short term, though, the delay in equipment installation has created this small scheduling shift.
The Cardinals’ internal messaging suggests confidence. There has been no change to Nootbaar’s projected timeline for baseball activities such as batting practice, defensive drills, and eventually Grapefruit League games. The expectation remains that once the AlterG arrives at the Jupiter complex, he will immediately integrate into on-field work under supervision.
Spring training often carries layers of narrative — roster battles, position competitions, health updates, and strategic adjustments. In this case, what initially appeared as a concerning absence is, in reality, a procedural decision rooted in modern sports science.
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The organization is effectively choosing continuity over symbolism. Rather than having Nootbaar physically present but unable to follow his prescribed rehab plan, they are ensuring his progression continues uninterrupted. That measured approach reflects a broader philosophy: control what can be controlled, eliminate avoidable variables, and protect long-term player health.
When Nootbaar does arrive in Jupiter, his transition should be seamless. The groundwork — both literal and figurative — will already be in place. He will move from reduced-load treadmill work to controlled outdoor running, then to baseball-specific drills, then eventually to full game action.
For now, the Cardinals are operating with patience. They understand that a few days in February hold little weight compared to availability in April and beyond. With Opening Day still weeks away, there is sufficient runway for Nootbaar to complete his progression without rush.
In summary, the delay in Lars Nootbaar’s arrival at Cardinals camp is not a reflection of health trouble but rather a byproduct of ongoing stadium renovations and equipment logistics. His rehab is advancing as planned, the organization remains confident in his timeline, and once the AlterG treadmill is installed in Jupiter, he will report promptly and resume full participation in spring activities.
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