The St. Louis Cardinals could head into Opening Day with an outfield that looks noticeably different from the one fans saw at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign. While roster changes and adjustments are part of the natural cycle of any team, there is encouraging news regarding one important contributor who has been working his way back toward full health. His potential return could play a meaningful role in shaping the team’s early-season outlook.
For quite some time, it has been widely understood that Lars Nootbaar has been in recovery mode following offseason surgery that addressed issues in both of his heels. The procedure itself was significant, and given the demands placed on an outfielder—particularly one known for his energy, range, and aggressive style of play—it was always expected that his rehabilitation process would require patience and careful monitoring.
Despite that understanding, updates on his progress have been relatively limited in recent months, leaving fans and observers with only a general sense that he was improving but without many specifics.
That changed recently when Nootbaar provided a more detailed update on his recovery. Speaking on Tuesday, he shared that he has begun to see meaningful improvement, describing his recent progress as substantial. His comments offered a clearer glimpse into how his rehabilitation has been unfolding, particularly since he began working out in Florida. According to him, the past stretch of time has been especially encouraging, as he has started to regain timing and comfort following the surgery.
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Nootbaar explained that, over the last month, he has noticed a significant step forward in how his body feels and how he is able to move. After dealing with the initial stages of recovery—often the most challenging part for athletes coming off surgery—he is now reaching a phase where things are starting to click again. This includes not only physical healing but also the more subtle aspects of returning to form, such as rhythm, coordination, and overall confidence in his movements.
One of the most promising aspects of his update is the tone he used when describing his current condition. Rather than expressing frustration or uncertainty, Nootbaar emphasized that he is feeling “really good” at this stage. That kind of positivity can be an important indicator in recovery situations, as it often reflects both physical improvement and a growing mental readiness to return to competition. For a player who relies heavily on athleticism and instinct, regaining that sense of comfort is crucial.
At the same time, Nootbaar made it clear that neither he nor the organization is interested in rushing the process. While it is natural for teams and players alike to want a quick return—especially with Opening Day approaching—the priority remains ensuring that he is fully ready before stepping back onto the field. Rushing back too soon could risk setbacks or reinjury, something both sides are clearly trying to avoid.
Instead, his recovery has been guided by a steady, step-by-step approach. Nootbaar described the process as one where progress dictates the pace, rather than adhering to a rigid timeline. Each stage builds upon the previous one, allowing him to advance only when he feels comfortable and confident doing so. This methodical progression is often the best path for long-term success, even if it requires patience in the short term.
Another key takeaway from his update is the sense of optimism surrounding his situation. While there is still no definitive date set for his return to game action, the overall trajectory appears to be positive. Both Nootbaar and those working with him seem encouraged by the strides he has made, and there is a belief that he is moving in the right direction. That optimism, even without a concrete timetable, can be reassuring for a team preparing for the season ahead.
For the Cardinals, Nootbaar’s eventual return could have a meaningful impact on their outfield configuration. His versatility, defensive capabilities, and offensive contributions make him a valuable piece when healthy. Even if he is not ready for Opening Day, knowing that he is progressing well and could return sooner rather than later provides a boost to the team’s depth and flexibility.
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Ultimately, Nootbaar’s update paints a picture of a player who is steadily working his way back, taking the necessary steps to ensure a complete recovery. While there are still unknowns regarding exactly when he will be back in the lineup, the progress he has described suggests that he is on a promising path. For now, the focus remains on continued improvement, careful management of his workload, and maintaining the positive momentum he has built in recent weeks.
As the season approaches, all eyes will remain on how his recovery continues to unfold. If his current trajectory holds, the Cardinals could eventually welcome back an important contributor who is not only healthy but also fully prepared to make an impact once again.
The Cardinals outfielder is trending up
There’s no question that the latest update surrounding Lars Nootbaar offers a sense of optimism. Hearing that he is making meaningful progress in his recovery is an encouraging sign for both him and the organization. However, despite the positivity surrounding his rehab, it would be unrealistic to expect him to be fully ready in time for Opening Day.
With just a little over a week remaining before the regular season begins, the timeline simply does not appear to be in his favor. Players typically need sufficient game action in Spring Training to build timing, regain confidence, and prove their readiness for competitive play, and Nootbaar has yet to make an appearance in any exhibition game this spring. That absence alone strongly suggests that he is unlikely to be included on the team’s Opening Day roster.
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Even so, the fact that Nootbaar himself has described his recovery as involving “big strides” is undeniably a positive development. Progress of that nature indicates that his rehabilitation is moving in the right direction, even if it is not yet complete. For a player working his way back from injury, especially one who has dealt with a notable physical setback, any indication of steady improvement is important.
It reflects not only physical healing but also a growing confidence in his ability to return to form. While fans and the team alike may need to exercise patience in the short term, updates like this provide reassurance that his absence may not extend indefinitely.
In the meantime, the situation in left field remains somewhat unsettled for the St. Louis Cardinals. There is no clear-cut answer at the position as the team prepares to finalize its roster. Among the available options, Nelson Velázquez stands out as a candidate who could receive an opportunity coming out of Spring Training.
His potential to contribute makes him an intriguing choice, and he could very well find himself getting a chance to prove what he can do at the major league level. However, even with other players in consideration, it is difficult to overlook the impact that Nootbaar brings when he is healthy and available.
There is a strong argument to be made that the Cardinals are simply a more complete and competitive team when Nootbaar is in the lineup. His presence offers a blend of offensive production, defensive reliability, and overall energy that is not easily replicated by the other left field options currently in camp. While Velázquez and others may be capable of filling the role temporarily, Nootbaar’s skill set gives him a unique value that elevates the team’s overall performance. That reality underscores just how important his recovery is, not only for his own career but also for the team’s success as a whole.
Because of this, the timeline for his return carries significant weight. The sooner Nootbaar is able to get back onto the field and contribute, the better off the Cardinals will be. A quicker return would stabilize the left field situation, strengthen the lineup, and provide the team with a player they know they can rely on in multiple facets of the game. It would also allow him to gradually ease back into full competition rather than rushing at a later point in the season.
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Another factor worth considering is how his health and performance could influence his standing within the organization beyond just this season. During the past offseason, Nootbaar’s name surfaced in trade discussions, suggesting that he was viewed as a potentially valuable asset. In situations like that, a player’s health and on-field production play a major role in determining their market value. If Nootbaar can return sooner rather than later and demonstrate that he is back to full strength, it would likely enhance his appeal, whether the Cardinals ultimately decide to keep him or explore trade possibilities again.
From a broader perspective, this adds another layer of importance to his recovery process. It is not simply about getting back onto the field; it is also about proving that he can perform at a high level once he returns. A strong showing could reaffirm his importance to the Cardinals or make him an even more attractive option in potential deals. Either way, his ability to get healthy and productive again will have a meaningful impact.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his exact timeline, the overall tone of the update remains encouraging. Nootbaar appears to be moving forward in his rehabilitation, and there is no indication of setbacks at this stage. That alone is a reason for cautious optimism. While he may not be ready to contribute on Opening Day, the progress he is making suggests that his return could come sooner rather than later once the season is underway.
For now, the Cardinals will need to navigate the early part of the season without him, relying on other players to step into the left field role. But there is a clear understanding that Nootbaar’s eventual return has the potential to make a significant difference. His continued progress will be closely monitored, as both the team and its fans look forward to the moment when he can once again take the field.
In the end, while patience is required, the situation is trending in a positive direction. Nootbaar’s recovery appears to be on track, his confidence seems to be growing, and the outlook for his return is becoming increasingly favorable. Even if Opening Day comes too soon for him, the bigger picture remains promising, and that is ultimately what matters most for both the player and the organization.
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