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

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+.

St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Lars Nootbaar (oblique) is likely to miss an extended period of time. On Friday, Cards manager Oli Marmol told reporters that Nootbaar is dealing with a moderate oblique strain that is expected to force him to miss several weeks. An extended absence usually requires a stint minor league rehab stint as well. Fantasy managers should expect Nootbaar to be out at least a month. In the meantime, Alec Burleson should see increased playing time going forward.