The St. Louis Cardinals activated outfielder Lars Nootbaar from the injured list on Friday. He is set to make his 2026 season debut in the opener against the Cincinnati Reds.
Nootbaar will hit leadoff and play left field in his first Major League action of the season. He underwent surgery on both heels in October and completed a 20-day Minor League rehab assignment with Triple-A Memphis on Wednesday. Nootbaar said the return feels like Opening Day. “Excited to be back with these guys,” he said. “Obviously, they've been playing some good ball, and so be able to integrate with these guys, it's a lot of fun.” Manager Oli Marmol noted that rookie JJ Wetherholt is dealing with a sore groin, which opened the leadoff spot for Nootbaar. In a corresponding move, infielder Thomas Saggese was optioned to Memphis. The team also placed pitcher Ryan Fernandez on the 15-day injured list and recalled pitcher Matt Svanson.