UPDATE: St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Willson Contreras has officially begun serving a four-game suspension today during the team’s opener against the San Francisco Giants. This suspension follows a six-game penalty handed down after his explosive ejection on August 25, 2023, for arguing balls and strikes with umpire Derek Thomas.
In a dramatic moment during that game, Contreras threw a bat that struck Cardinals hitting coach Brant Brown and hurled a tub of candy onto the field, prompting the league’s decision to suspend him. As Contreras steps away from the field, manager Oliver Marmol announced that Nolan Gorman will take over at first base.
In addition to this development, the Cardinals activated backup catcher Yohel Pozo from the seven-day concussion list earlier today. Meanwhile, eight-time All-Star third baseman Nolan Arenado, currently on the injured list with a right shoulder strain, has rejoined the team after a rehabilitation stint in Florida. Marmol indicated that Arenado could begin a rehab assignment with Double-A Springfield on Tuesday, pending positive developments over the weekend.
In further injury news, outfielder Alec Burleson, who has been sidelined since August 29 with right wrist inflammation, is expected to be activated on Monday without the need for a rehab assignment. All-Star second baseman Brandon Donovan, recovering from a left groin strain, has been participating in batting practice; however, no clear timeline for his return has been established.
These roster changes come at a critical time for the Cardinals as they aim to bolster their lineup amidst ongoing injuries. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the team adapts without Contreras and how quickly their injured stars can return to form.
