Lars Nootbaar's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

The St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Lars Nootbaar (oblique) could return to the MLB lineup as soon as Sunday afternoon. Manager Oli Marmol mentioned in his pregame comments today that he has a call scheduled with Nootbaar post-game to see how he is feeling on his rehab assignment. Marmol suggested that if Nootbaar feels he does not need any more at-bats in Triple-A Springfield, he could be activated tomorrow. In 164 plate appearances this season, Nootbaar is hitting .234 with five home runs, 15 RBI, three stolen bases, and 14 runs scored. He should step into a full-time job with daily at-bats once activated from the IL.

St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Lars Nootbaar (oblique) will begin a minor league rehab assignment on Friday with Double-A Springfield. Nootbaar told reporters on Thursday that the plan is to play five or six games before returning to St. Louis. The 26-year-old has been sidelined since late-May due to an oblique strain. When healthy, Nootbaar is a solid contributor in fantasy formats. He has been off to a slow start to 2024, but Nootbaar does have a good track record. He should be able to return to the Cardinals lineup in early July.

St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Lars Nootbaar (oblique) has been taking full swings this week and is almost ready to begin taking batting practice. Cardinals manager Oli Marmol was optimistic that Nootbaar returning soon, though the outfielder will need a rehab assignment prior to joining the active roster. The lefty was hitting for a solid .742 OPS before he strained his oblique in late May. In Nootbaar's absence, Alec Burleson has been receiving more playing time in the Cardinals' outfield. When Nootbaar returns it should be expected that Burleson returns to DH more often. Fantasy managers shouldn't expect Nootbaar's return until around the All Star game, given that there will be no setbacks. In the meantime, Burleson is a fine fantasy option who is currently hitting for a 109 OPS+.