Lars Nootbaar Injury News & Updates

Nootbaar went 2-for-4 with a walk, a three-run home run and a second run scored in Saturday's 15-6 rout of the Reds.

He took Fernando Cruz deep in the second inning to help the Cards race out to a 10-0 lead. Nootbaar snapped a 23-game homer drought with the blast, and he's mostly struggled in September, batting .194 (18-for-93) over 26 games. The 26-year-old heads into the final day of the season with 14 homers, 11 steals, 46 RBI and 74 runs and a .791 OPS over 116 contests, numbers very similar to his 2022 campaign.

Nootbaar went 2-for-4 with a walk, a stolen base and a run scored in Tuesday's 7-3 loss to the Brewers.

Prior to Tuesday, Nootbaar had gone 0-for-15 with three walks across his last four games. That small slump hasn't cost him a regular role or a spot atop the lineup against right-handed pitchers. The outfielder has maintained a .265/.373/.425 slash line with 13 home runs, 11 steals, 43 RBI and 69 runs scored over 106 games this season.

Nootbaar will not start Saturday's game against the Phillies, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Nootbaar hits the bench against lefty Ranger Suarez, but that isn't necessarily a sign that he's going to be platooned over the final two weeks of the season, as he was in the lineup against the previous two southpaws the Cardinals faced. He does own a much better wRC+ against righties (135) than against lefties (96) and has struck out 25.9 percent of the time against southpaws compared to just 17.4 percent against right-handers, so some platoon risk remains for next season. For now, it will be Tyler O'Neill, Tommy Edman and Jordan Walker across the outfielder for the Cardinals.

Nootbaar went 2-for-5 with a double, a stolen base and a run scored in Monday's 11-5 loss to the Orioles.

Nootbaar has cooled off in September, going 7-for-35 (.200) across 10 games this month. Four of his hits in that span have gone for extra bases, and he's added two steals. The outfielder continues to see a near-everyday role and some time atop the Cardinals' lineup. He's slashing .275/.381/.445 with 10 thefts, 13 home runs, 42 RBI, 67 runs scored and 21 doubles through 100 contests this season.

Nootbaar is absent from the lineup Thursday at Atlanta.

Tyler O'Neill, Tommy Edman and Jordan Walker will start across the outfield as the Cardinals match up against left-hander Max Fried. Nootbaar has posted an .855 OPS in 317 plate appearances this year against righties, compared to a .704 OPS in 96 plate appearances versus southpaws.

Nootbaar went 1-for-3 with a pair of walks, a stolen base and two runs scored in Sunday's 6-4 win over the Pirates.

Nootbaar went 2-for-12 with three walks, a home run and a stolen base over three games versus the Pirates during this weekend's series, his first action since mid-August. He's back to playing a starting role in center field after recovering from a groin injury. The outfielder has also returned to the leadoff spot versus right-hander pitchers. Nootbaar is slashing .279/.381/.452 with 13 home runs, 40 RBI, 63 runs scored and nine stolen bases through 93 contests overall. He's also maintained strong strikeout (19.6 percent) and walk (14.1 percent) rates.

Nootbaar went 1-for-5 with a solo home run in Saturday's 7-6 loss to the Pirates.

Nootbaar returned Friday from a two-week absence due to a groin injury. He's just 1-for-9 across two contests since he was activated from the injured list. Prior to sustaining the injury, he hit .333 (18-for-54) in August. For the season, he's at a .278/.378/.453 slash line, 13 long balls, 40 RBI, 61 runs scored and eight stolen bases through 92 contests in a breakout campaign. He should see plenty of playing time in the outfield over the final month of the season.

The Cardinals activated Noobaar (groin) from the 10-day injured list Friday, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Nootbaar was placed on the injured list Aug. 17 after getting hit below the belt by a foul tip. He went 3-for-6 with an RBI and a run scored during his two-game rehab assignment and will be back starting in center field Friday.

Nootbaar (groin) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Memphis on Wednesday and could be reinstated from the 10-day injured list as soon as Friday, MLB.com reports.

Nootbaar will work out with the Cardinals for a second straight day Tuesday before heading to Memphis to play in his first game since Aug. 16, when he suffered a groin contusion in St. Louis' 8-0 loss to Oakland. After taking part in baserunning and defensive work over the weekend, Nootbaar took batting practice Monday, so the 25-year-old looks as though he has resumed full activities. If activated this weekend, Nootbaar is likely to settle back in as the Cardinals' everyday center fielder.

Nootbaar (abdomen) is considered close to returning from the 10-day injured list, but he continues to work out on the side rather than with the team as he attempts to regain strength, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Nootbaar had been eligible to return from the IL on Sunday, but he'll need some additional time to fully heal up from a lower abdomen contusion. Though he's continuing to take part in baseball activities, the Cardinals aren't yet ready to pinpoint a target date for his activation. While Nootbaar remains on the mend, the Cardinals will likely rely on a combination of Richie Palacios and Tommy Edman to fill in for him in center field.

Nootbaar (abdomen) is expected to be activated from the injured list within the next week, Lynn Worthy of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Nootbaar was placed on the IL on Aug. 17 after taking a foul tip to a sensitive area. He's responded well to a recent uptick in baseball activities and should rejoin the Cardinals on their upcoming homestand, which runs from Aug. 28 to Sept. 3.

Nootbaar (abdomen) was placed on the 10-day injured list Thursday, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

After fouling a ball off himself Wednesday, Nootbaar will now be sidelined for a over a week while nursing his injured abdomen. The outfielder will be replaced on the major-league roster by top prospect Masyn Winn, who had his contract selected from Triple-A Memphis.

Nootbaar (abdomen) was cleared of any structural damage after undergoing testing at a St. Louis hospital Wednesday night, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Nootbaar took a foul tip to a sensitive area in Wednesday's series finale against the Athletics and is not in the Cardinals' starting lineup for Thursday's series opener versus the Mets. He only has some minor soreness, though, and is expected to return at some point during the four-game weekend set at Busch Stadium.

Nootbaar (abdomen) is not in Thursday's lineup against the Mets.

He exited Wednesday's game with a lower abdomen contusion, so that could still be ailing him. It's also possible the team is just playing it safe with Nootbaar, given that a same-handed pitcher (Jose Quintana) is on the mound for New York. Tommy Edman gets the start in center field while Taylor Motter starts at shortstop and Jose Fermin starts at the keystone.

Nootbaar was removed from Wednesday's game against Oakland with a lower abdomen contusion, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Nootbaar fouled off a pitch in the fifth inning that ended up hitting him below the belt and put him in a considerable amount of pain. The Cardinals should provide additional updates on Nootbaar's status before Thursday's contest, but the 25-year-old outfielder should be considered day-to-day for now.

Nootbaar went 3-for-4 with a double, one RBI and a run scored in Friday's 12-8 loss to the Royals.

Nootbaar has hit safely in five straight games, and his last three have been multi-hit efforts. The outfielder is settling in as the leadoff hitter versus right-handed pitchers. He's slashing .286/.384/.460 with 12 home runs, eight stolen bases, 38 RBI and 57 runs scored through 86 contests this season.

Nootbaar went 2-for-5 with a home run an additional run scored and a steal in Wednesday's victory over Tampa Bay.

Nootbaar has been red hot of late, going 17-for-45 (.378) with five home runs over his last 12 games. He capped the scoring in the seventh inning Wednesday with a solo homer off Robert Stephenson, his 12th of the year. Overall, Nootbaar is slashing .278/.378/.448 with 56 runs scored, 37 RBI and eight stolen bases across 361 plate appearances this season.

Nootbaar went 2-for-4 with a two-run home run in a 7-3 win over Minnesota on Wednesday.

Nootbaar hit one of three second-inning homers for the Cardinals in the victory, swatting a 411-foot two-run shot to right-center field. The outfielder has been swinging a hot bat of late, collecting multiple hits four times over his current six-game hitting streak. Nootbaar is batting a cool .500 (11-for-22) with four homers, seven RBI and five runs over the scorching stretch.

Nootbaar went 2-for-4 with two solo home runs in Friday's loss to the Cubs.

Nootbaar accounted for the Cardinals' only two runs Friday. The 25-year-old has caught fire recently, going 9-for-19 (.474) with four homers and a 7:1 BB:K over his last six games. On the year, Nootbaar is now slashing .271/.377/.431 with 23 extra-base hits and 51 runs scored through 319 plate appearances.

Nootbaar isn't in the Cardinals' lineup Thursday against the Cubs, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Nootbaar will get a day off Thursday after going 3-for-4 with a home run and two RBI during Wednesday's game against Arizona. Tyler O'Neill, Dylan Carlson and Jordan Walker will man the Cardinals' outfield from left to right while Nootbaar rests.

Nootbaar went 3-for-4 with a solo home run, an additional RBI and a walk in Wednesday's 11-7 win over the Diamondbacks.

Nootbaar recorded his second three-hit effort in his last five games. The outfielder is batting .298 with four homers, nine RBI and 21 runs scored over 23 contests in July, solidifying his place in the Cardinals' lineup as the starting center fielder. Nootbaar has a .268/.376/.408 slash line with eight long balls, 31 RBI, 49 runs scored, seven stolen bases and 13 doubles through 73 games overall.

Nootbaar (heel) went 1-for-2 with three walks, one RBI and two runs scored in Monday's 10-6 win over the Diamondbacks.

Nootbaar's removal from Sunday's game versus the Cubs with the heel issue looks to be just a precautionary thing. The outfielder has gone 11-for-39 (.282) with a 9:11 BB:K over 11 contests since the All-Star break. He's walking at a 14.4 percent rate this season while maintaining a .263/.367/.394 slash line with seven home runs, 28 RBI, 48 runs scored and seven stolen bases through 71 games.

Nootbaar (heel) is starting in center field and batting fourth Monday against Arizona, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports.

Nootbaar was lifted from Sunday's series finale against the Cubs with right heel soreness, but it won't force him to miss any additional action. The USC product is slashing .276/.368/.461 with three home runs, six RBI, two stolen bags and 18 runs scored through 20 appearances this month.

Nootbaar was removed from Sunday's game against the Cubs due to right heel soreness, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

The 25-year-old outfielder went 0-for-3 before being replaced by a pinch hitter during the seventh inning of Sunday's contest. Nootbaar should be considered day-to-day heading into Monday's series opener against the Diamondbacks.

Nootbaar went 3-for-4 with a solo home run, a double and three runs scored in Saturday's loss against the Cubs.

Nootbaar wasted no time in getting the Cardinals on the board, crushing a leadoff home run on the very first pitch to open the game. He then added a leadoff double in his next at-bat before coming around to score on a Nolan Gorman homer. The center fielder reached base four times on the afternoon and has now drawn a walk in four of his last five games, hitting .294 over that stretch with seven runs scored.

Nootbaar is not in the starting lineup Friday versus Chicago, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports.

Nootbaar will get a breather as the Cardinals take on left-hander Justin Steele. Dylan Carlson will replace him in center field and bat leadoff against the Cubs.

Nootbaar went 0-for-4 with a walk, a stolen base and a run scored in Tuesday's 5-2 extra-inning win over the Marlins.

Nootbaar's 11-game hitting streak came to a close, but he was still productive in his one trip on base Tuesday. The steal was his sixth of the season and his first since May 12. The outfielder is up to a .257/.356/.382 slash line after his recent surge, ans he's added six home runs, 27 RBI, 40 runs scored and 12 doubles through 65 contests this season. Nootbaar has split time between left field and center field lately, but he'll likely be at the latter position full-time once Tyler O'Neill (back) returns from the 60-day injured list Thursday. Dylan Carlson and Alec Burleson are expected to see reduced roles.

Nootbaar went 3-for-10 with a solo home run over both games of Saturday's twin bill.

The homer actually came Friday prior to that contest's suspension for weather. The outfielder is on a nine-game hitting streak, going 11-for-38 (.289) in that span. Nootbaar is up to six homers, 26 RBI, 37 runs scored and five stolen bases through 62 contests overall while carving out consistent playing time in the Cardinals' crowded outfield.

Nootbaar went 2-for-5 with a solo home run and an additional run scored in a 6-2 loss to the Yankees in Game 2 of Saturday's doubleheader.

Nootbaar also went 1-for-4 with a double and a run scored in the afternoon game. The outfielder has gone 8-for-30 (.267) with three extra-base hits over his last eight contests, providing solid but unremarkable hitting as he battles to maintain a starting spot in the Cardinals' crowded outfield once again. He's slashing .258/.359/.384 with five homers, 23 RBI, 31 runs scored and five stolen bases across 52 games this season.

Nootbaar isn't in the Cardinals' lineup Tuesday against the Astros.

Nootbaar has put together a mini three-game hitting streak, going 4-for-12 with an RBI and a run scored in that span. He'll take a day off Tuesday while Dylan Carlson gets a start in right field and bats sixth.

Nootbaar isn't starting Tuesday against the Nationals, Bally Sports Midwest reports.

After going 0-for-4 in his first game back from the injured list Monday, Nootbaar will get a breather Tuesday. Dylan Carlson will start in right field and bat sixth.

Nootbaar is starting in right field and batting third Monday versus the Nationals in his first game back from the injured list.

The Cardinals are going with an outfield of Brendan Donovan in left field, Tommy Edman in center and Nootbaar in right. Jordan Walker will slide into the designated hitter spot and Dylan Carlson will begin the contest on the bench.

The Cardinals reinstated Nootbaar (back) from the 10-day injured list ahead of Monday's series opener in Washington.

St. Louis activated Nootbaar after he capped off a three-game rehab assignment at Double-A Springfield with a four-hit, two-homer effort Sunday. Now healthy again after a three-week absence due to back discomfort, Nootbaar should settle back into a near-everyday role in the corner outfield while likely occupying a spot near the top of the batting order when St. Louis faces right-handed pitching.

Nootbaar (back) is likely to rejoin the Cardinals on Monday for the start of a three-game series in Washington, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Nootbaar had hits in his first three at-bats in Sunday's rehab game with Triple-A Memphis, including a long home run. It sounds like two rehab games are all Nootbaar will require, and he should return to a regular role atop the Cardinals' lineup. The 25-year-old outfielder is slashing .266/.380/.390 with four home runs, 25 runs, 21 RBI and five steals in 42 games.

Nootbaar (back) is on track to begin a minor-league rehab assignment Saturday, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Nootbaar has already reported to Triple-A Memphis, where did an agility workout Thursday and will participate in a fuller range of pregame activities Friday. He's slated to DH in his rehab debut Saturday and then play the outfield Sunday before possibly returning to the Cardinals' active roster early next week. The 25-year-old outfielder has been sidelined since June 2 with a lower back contusion.

Nootbaar (back) is headed to join Triple-A Memphis and will soon begin a rehab assignment, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

The hope is that Nootbaar will get in a few rehab games before rejoining the Cardinals prior to their trip to London to face the Cubs next weekend. Nootbaar has been out all month with a back injury. When he does return, he would figure to push Tommy Edman -- who has been playing center field -- back to the infield.

Nootbaar (back) could soon be ready for a minor-league rehab assignment, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Nootbaar experienced some renewed discomfort in his back when he tried to hit off a tee late last week, but he's made steady progress in the days since. The 25-year-old outfielder has not been ruled out for the Cardinals' series against the Cubs in London, which will take place June 24-25.

Nootbaar (back) took batting practice and did some sprints Monday, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Nootbaar had a little setback last week when he felt lingering discomfort in his back while hitting off a tee, but he appears to have made nice progress since then. He's already missed nearly a month of action and is expected to require a rehab assignment before being activated.

Nootbaar (back) felt lingering discomfort Thursday while trying to hit off a tee, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Nootbaar is not going to be pushed into the full range of baseball activities until he's pain-free, so his 10-day injured list stint will last longer than 10 days. He was eligible to return Friday from the lower-back contusion that has sidelined him since late May.

Nootbaar was placed on the 10-day injured list Friday with a lower-back contusion, Matt Pauley of 1120 AM reports.

Nootbaar suffered the injury during Monday's game against the Royals when he crashed into the outfield wall after making a catch. The move is retroactive to May 30, so he'll be eligible for activation on June 9, although it's unclear whether he'll be ready to go at that time.

Nootbaar (back) is not in the lineup Tuesday versus the Royals.

Nootbaar was pulled from Monday's series opener against the Royals after tweaking his back on a play in center field. St. Louis is off both Wednesday and Thursday, so a decision on a potential IL stint can wait. Tommy Edman will cover center and bat ninth Tuesday.

Nootbaar's removal from Monday's game versus the Royals was due to lower-back spasms.

Nootbaar looked like he might have hurt his back after making a catch and falling into the outfield wall in the second inning. He was removed in the third after pulling up while chasing down a ball in the gap in the third. The Cardinals are calling the outfielder day-to-day. With a game Tuesday and then back-to-back off days Wednesday and Thursday, Nootbaar seems likely to be out until at least Friday.

Nootbaar was removed from Monday's game against the Royals in the third inning with an undisclosed injury, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Nootbaar was chasing down a ball in the gap before pulling up close to the warning track and eventually crumpling to the ground. He quickly got back up and tried to walk off whatever injury he was dealing with but ultimately exited the field with the trainer. Presumably, the injury is leg or back-related but the Cards should have more on the outfielder's condition soon.

Nootbaar went 3-for-4 with a double, a walk, one RBI and one run scored in Friday's 4-3 loss to the Guardians.

Nootbaar has gone 9-for-20 (.450) with three extra-base hits and six RBI during his five-game hitting streak. The outfielder continues to look good as the Cardinals' primary leadoff hitter, though he's gone 14 games without a stolen base. For the season, he's slashing .285/.399/.417 with four home runs, 21 RBI, 25 runs scored and five steals over 39 contests.

Nootbaar went 2-for-5 with a home run and two RBI in Wednesday's 10-3 loss to the Reds.

He launched his fourth homer of the season in the fifth inning, taking Ben Lively deep for a solo shot. Nootbaar has enjoyed a solid May with a .291/.374/.419 slash line, two home runs, three steals, 14 RBI and 15 runs in 22 games, and he's been the one constant this season in an otherwise injury-riddled Cardinals outfield.

Nootbaar is not in the starting lineup Monday against Cincinnati, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Nootbaar will head to the bench as the Cardinals face off with southpaw Brandon Williamson on the mound Monday. Righty bat Oscar Mercado will take over in center field and bat eighth in the series opener with the Reds.

Nootbaar went 2-for-4 with two walks and four runs in Monday's 18-1 win over the Brewers.

Nootbaar has been rewarded handsomely from sitting atop a potent St. Louis lineup that has produced 27 runs over the past two games, as he's come around to score seven times. The lefty-hitting Nootbaar will drop toward the bottom of the order when St. Louis faces southpaws, but he looks like he'll be locked into the leadoff role versus righties now that he's overcome his slow start to the season. Since the beginning of May, Nootbaar is slashing .380/.475/.520 with five extra-base hits, three steals, 13 runs and seven RBI in 13 games.

Nootbaar went 3-for-6 with two doubles and three runs scored in Sunday's win against the Red Sox.

Nootbaar was all over the stat sheet Sunday, crossing home in the first, sixth and eighth frames. He's been on a tear over the last 10 games, going 17-for-40 (.425) with nine runs scored and six extra-base hits. On the year, he's slashing .302/.432/.448 through 118 plate appearances.

Nootbaar went 2-for-3 with a double, a walk, two RBI, a stolen base and a run scored in Friday's 8-6 win over the Red Sox.

Nootbaar provided an RBI double in the sixth inning and added a game-tying RBI single in the ninth before scoring on a Nolan Gorman home run. Through 10 games in May, Nootbaar is hitting .389 (14-for-36) with three extra-base hits and three steals. The outfielder is up to a .302/.444/.442 slash line with three home runs, 13 RBI, 14 runs scored, a career-high five steals and three doubles through 108 plate appearances.

Nootbaar went 1-for-4 with a solo home run and a walk in Tuesday's 6-4 win over the Cubs.

Nootbaar's homer was his third of the season. He'd hit .294 (15-for-51) over 14 contests between long balls, but he had just two extra-base hits in that span. The outfielder is now slashing .288/.430/.425 through 100 plate appearances this season, and he's added 10 RBI, 13 runs scored and four stolen bases.

Nootbaar went 0-for-2 with two walks, a stolen base and two runs scored in Monday's 3-1 win over the Cubs.

Nootbaar's four-game hitting streak came to an end, but he picked up his sixth multi-walk game of the year. He's also logged two of his four steals this season over the last three contests. The outfielder has earned a starting job in right field, and he's now slashing .289/.432/.395 with two home runs, nine RBI and 12 runs scored through 95 plate appearances.

Nootbaar went 3-for-4 with a walk, a stolen base and a run scored in Saturday's 6-5 extra-inning loss to the Tigers.

Nootbaar is on a tear now, going 9-for-14 (.643) over his last three games. That's the kind of spark the Cardinals need from their leadoff hitter against right-handed pitchers, but the rest of the lineup has been a bit too inconsistent. Nootbaar's surge has him up to a .304/.442/.420 slash line with two home runs, three steals, seven RBI and 10 runs scored through 20 contests.

Nootbaar went 4-for-5 with a run scored in Thursday's 11-7 loss to the Angels.

Nootbaar went just 1-for-13 over his previous four games, so this was at least a positive performance. All of the outfielder's hits were singles. He's now slashing .262/.416/.377 with two home runs, two stolen bases, six RBI and nine runs scored through 77 plate appearances. Despite his recent inconsistency at the plate, Nootbaar has routinely hit leadoff versus right-handed pitchers lately.

Nootbaar went 1-for-2 with three walks, one RBI, a stolen base and one run scored in Friday's 7-3 loss to the Dodgers.

Nootbaar is hitting .296 with a 5:9 BB:K over his last seven games. The outfielder has settled into the leadoff spot against right-handed pitchers, and the demotion of Jordan Walker to Triple-A Memphis could afford Nootbaar consistent playing time going forward. For the season, Nootbaar is slashing .256/.448/.419 with two home runs, five RBI, eight runs scored and two steals through 58 plate appearances.

Nootbaar went 3-for-5 with a solo home run and an additional run scored in Sunday's 7-3 win over the Mariners.

Nootbaar hit the first pitch he saw from Chris Flexen over the fence for a leadoff homer. Sunday was Nootbaar's first multi-hit effort in eight games this season, and he's scored in six of those contests. The big game raised his average 80 points to .280, and he's added two long balls, four RBI and seven runs scored with an 11:8 BB:K. More efforts like this one could help him stand out in a crowded battle for playing time in the Cardinals' outfield.

Nootbaar will get a breather Wednesday against Arizona, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Nootbaar will take a seat after he went 2-for-9 with a home run, three RBI, three runs scored and eight walks over his last four starts following a stint on the injured list with a thumb injury. Tyler O'Neill will slide over to left field while Dylan Carlson enters the lineup in center field and bats second in the series finale.

Nootbar went 1-for-2 with a two-run homer and three walks in Sunday's 5-4 extra-innings win over the Pirates.

Nootbar sent a first-pitch cutter from Mitch Keller into the right field seats in the sixth inning to tie the game at three. He also walked three times for the second consecutive game, although two of his walks were intentional. In just two games since returning from the IL, Nootbar has reached base seven times and should find himself in the lineup often this coming week with the Cardinals set to face five right-handers.

Nootbaar went 0-for-1 with a run scored and a stolen base in Saturday's loss to the Pirates. He walked three times.

Nootbaar was making his first appearance in the lineup since Opening Day after missing over two weeks due to jamming his left thumb. The 25-year-old outfielder will be an everyday option for the Cardinals now that he's healthy, and he should be a helper in a few fantasy categories.

Nootbaar (thumb) was activated Saturday from the 10-day injured list, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Nootbaar jammed his left thumb on Opening Day, but he's ready to rock now after just one minor-league rehab game. The 25-year-old outfielder was a popular name in the middle rounds of fantasy drafts this spring and carries breakout potential in his return to the Cardinals' active roster.

Nootbaar (thumb) could be activated from the IL as early as Saturday, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Nootbaar is scheduled for only one minor-league rehab game, and that will take place Thursday night at Double-A Springfield. He'll then head to St. Louis for simulated at-bats Friday before possibly returning to the Cardinals' active roster ahead of Saturday's game against the Pirates. The 25-year-old outfielder has been sidelined since jamming his left thumb on Opening Day.

Nootbaar (thumb) will begin a rehab assignment Thursday with Double-A Springfield, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Nootbaar got the go-ahead to embark on a minor-league rehab assignment after working out with the Cardinals ahead of Wednesday afternoon's series finale in Colorado. He's been out for less than two weeks due to a jammed left thumb and has been swinging a bat without issue for most of that time, so it should be a short rehab stint for the 25-year-old outfielder.

Nootbaar (thumb) could begin a rehab assignment with Double-A Springfield as soon as Thursday, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

That's if he gets through a workout Wednesday with no issues. It had seemed like the Cardinals were considering bringing Nootbaar back as soon as this weekend without a rehab assignment, but evidently that won't happen. It would push back his potential return at least a couple days.

Nootbaar (thumb) could be back for the Cardinals' weekend series against the Pirates, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Working his way back from a left thumb injury, Nootbaar took 40-50 swings in the batting cage and also hit flips and off a tee Monday. Assuming he bounces back well, he'll advance to hitting off a machine Tuesday. The last step would be for Nootbaar to catch line drives in the outfield, as squeezing his glove has caused the most pain. If that goes well, he should be activated before the end of the week.

Nootbaar (thumb) will travel with the team to Colorado on Monday and take swings, but he isn't likely to be activated for the series against the Rockies, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Jones reports that the Cardinals want to see how Nootbaar responds to swinging before making a decision and that he hasn't caught the baseball with his thumb injury as of yet. The outfielder isn't expected to need a lengthy stint on the injured list, but it doesn't sound like he'll be activated when eligible before Monday's contest against the Rockies.

Nootbaar (thumb) is traveling with the Cardinals and could be activated as early as Monday, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

A decision will be made after he hits with the team ahead of Monday's series opener at Coors Field, following the Cardinals' three-game weekend set in Milwaukee. Nootbaar jammed his left thumb while sliding into a base back on Opening Day, but tests have ruled out any sort of structural damage. Alec Burleson has been getting a lot of run in left field in his absence.

Nootbaar (thumb) might not require a rehab assignment before being activated, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports.

That would seem to suggest Noobaar is expected to be activated on April 10 when first eligible. The outfielder landed on the injured list Monday as a result of a bruised thumb when he suffered on an Opening Day slide.

Nootbaar (thumb) was placed on the 10-day injured list Monday, Bally Sports Midwest reports.

He hasn't played since jamming his thumb on Opening Day. Juan Yepez was recalled from Triple-A in a corresponding move. The soonest Nootbaar could return would be Monday, April 10 in Colorado.

Nootbaar (thumb) played catch Sunday, but it's unclear when he might return to the Cardinals' lineup, Lynn Worthy of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Nootbaar's thumb doesn't bother him while swinging a bat but apparently it's still sore when catching the ball. His return does not appear imminent, and with the Braves slated to start a lefty Tuesday, it could be at least Wednesday before he plays again.

Nootbaar (thumb) remained out of the Cardinals' lineup for Monday's game versus Atlanta.

Nootbaar has now missed three straight starts after jamming his thumb on a slide back on Opening Day. Alec Burleson will fill in again in left field and the No. 2 spot in St. Louis' lineup. To this point, there's been no talk of Nootbaar possibly needing an injured list stint.

Nootbaar (thumb) is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Blue Jays, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports.

Nootbaar jammed his thumb sliding into third base on Opening Day, and will miss a second consecutive game while recovering. With the second-year outfielder out, Alec Burleson will again start in left while hitting second for Sunday's series finale against Toronto.

Nootbaar's absence from the lineup Saturday against the Blue Jays is due to a jammed thumb, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Those who bought into the hype surrounding Nootbaar over the winter didn't want to see him on the bench in the second game of the season. An injury isn't exactly a better outcome, but thankfully this one doesn't seem too serious. He suffered the injury when sliding into third base on Opening Day, but imaging came back clear and he was able to swing Friday. He'll get the day off to manage some residual pain but does not appear to be at risk of a trip to the injured list. Alec Burleson starts in left field in his absence.

Nootbaar will sit Saturday against the Blue Jays.

Nootbaar received plenty of attention from fantasy drafters over the winter and followed that up by batting second and reaching base three times in the season opener. The Cardinals have a crowded outfield, however, and they'll give Alec Burleson the start in left field in the second game of the season. Exactly how often Nootbaar is in the lineup will go a low way toward determining his fantasy value this season, and it's not a good sign in that respect that he's on the bench already even with a righty (Kevin Gausman) on the mound for the opposition. It may take a week or two to get a clear sense of how often each Cardinal will find themselves in the lineup.

Nootbaar is under consideration for the Cardinals' leadoff spot, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Nootbaar and Brendan Donovan appear to be the likeliest candidates to bat leadoff against righties and might fill the 1-2 slots in some order. That would give them plenty of run-scoring opportunities with Paul Goldschmidt, Nolan Arenado and Willson Contreras behind them in the 3-4-5 spots. Tommy Edman is also in the mix at leadoff, although that might only be versus lefties.

Nootbaar has gone 6-for-14 across four games for Japan at the World Baseball Classic.

Nootbaar has racked up three RBI, seven runs and two stolen bases while posting a 4:3 BB:K in those contests. The 25-year-old hasn't hurt his chances of landing a starting role in the Cardinals' crowded outfield, though he struggled by going 1-for-5 over two Grapefruit Leagues before his breakout on the international stage. Nootbaar's biggest threat for playing time is top prospect Jordan Walker, who is expected to push for time in right field. Nootbaar can play in all three outfield spots, with Dylan Carlson and Tyler O'Neill also in contention at those positions with the Cardinals.

Nootbaar is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Pirates.

Nootbaar has been seeing it well of late, posting a 1.141 OPS over his last eight games, but that will not prevent him from opening Sunday's game on the bench. Alec Burleson will join the lineup in Nootbaar's place.

Nootbaar is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Brewers, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Nootbaar is one of several Cardinals regulars getting the day off for the series finale after St. Louis clinched the National League Central title with a 6-2 win Tuesday. Ben DeLuzio will take Nootbaar's spot in the outfield, manning center while batting ninth.

Nootbaar went 3-for-5 with a two-run home run, a double and an additional RBI in an 11-0 victory over the Dodgers on Friday.

Nootbaar doubled in the second inning, homered in the fifth off reliever Phil Bickford and singled home a run in the seventh for his fourth three-hit game of the season. The 25-year-old has slumped through most of September but has turned it around over the last two games, batting 4-for-7 with two home runs, a double and two walks.

Nootbaar went 1-for-2 with a solo home run, two walks and two total runs scored in Thursday's 5-4 win over the Padres.

Nootbaar snapped the Cardinals' long scoreless stretch with his fifth-inning homer. The outfielder is still mired in a brutal slump in September, going just 5-for-46 (.109), through three of those hits have been homers. The outfielder looked to have taken an everyday role in August, but he's now on the strong side of a platoon with Dylan Carlson in center field. Nootbaar is at 13 homers, 37 RBI, 46 runs scored and four stolen bases while slashing .219/.339/.438 through 304 plate appearances this year.

Nootbaar is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Padres, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Nootbaar is 3-for-40 over his past 17 games and will step out of the lineup Wednesday in San Diego. Dylan Carlson will take over in center field while Juan Yepez starts in right.

Nootbaar isn't in the lineup for the first game of Saturday's doubleheader against the Reds, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports.

Nootbaar hasn't started against a left-handed pitcher since Aug. 22 and will head to the bench with southpaw Mike Minor on the mound for Saturday's matinee. Dylan Carlson is starting in right field and batting second.

Nootbaar went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in Wednesday's 4-1 win over the Brewers.

Nootbaar began September 1-for-26 over his first nine games, though he's bounced back a bit. He's 2-for-6 with three walks over his last three contests, though the slump has cost him some playing time. The outfielder is up to 12 homers, 36 RBI, 44 runs scored, four stolen bases and a .224/.339/.443 slash line through 286 plate appearances this year. Alec Burleson is likely Nootbaar's primary competition for playing time in right field, but Burleson has gone just 2-for-12 with a walk and a run across four games since his first call-up.

Nootbaar isn't starting Saturday against the Pirates, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Nootbaar has gone 0-for-22 with a run, an RBI, a walk and eight strikeouts over the last seven games and will head to the bench for the second time in the last three matchups. Brendan Donovan will take his place in right field and lead off.

Nootbaar isn't starting Thursday against the Reds, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Nootbaar is getting a chance to reset after he went 0-for-17 with an RBI and six strikeouts over the last five games. Alec Burleson will draw the start in right field and bat ninth.

Nootbaar will sit Saturday against the Cubs, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports.

Nootbaar joins several of his left-handed teammates in hitting the bench against southpaw Drew Smyly. He had an everyday role throughout most of September but has now hit the bench against the last two lefties the Cardinals have faced. Dylan Carlson will get the start in right field.

Nootbaar went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run and a walk in Friday's 8-0 win over the Cubs.

Nootbaar continues to flex power late in the season, as he's gone deep six times in his last 16 games, accounting for more than half of his 11 homers this year. In that span, he's added three doubles, a triple, 13 RBI and 17 runs scored while finding a home in the leadoff spot against right-handers. The surge at the plate has Nootbaar up to a .244/.360/.478 slash line with 34 RBI, 42 runs scored and four stolen bases through 253 plate appearances this year.

Nootbaar went 1-for-1 with a two-run home run, two walks and a stolen base in Wednesday's 5-3 extra-innings win over the Reds.

Nootbaar didn't start Wednesday, but he pinch hit for Paul DeJong in the ninth inning. Nootbaar drew a walk and stole second, but he was left aboard. The game turned into a marathon, with the outfielder supplying the decisive hit in the 13th inning, a two-run blast that gave the Cardinals their margin of victory. The 24-year-old homered five times over his last 15 games in August, going 16-for-53 (.302) with 13 walks in that span. He's up to 10 homers, 32 RBI, 41 runs scored and four steals through 78 contests overall.

Nootbaar isn't starting Wednesday against the Reds, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports.

Nootbaar has been an everyday player for the Cardinals recently but will get a breather after he went just 2-for-17 with a homer, four runs, two RBI, two walks and three strikeouts over the last four games. Brendan Donovan will draw the start in right field and bat ninth.

Nootbaar went 1-for-3 with a solo home run, a walk and two total runs scored in Sunday's 6-3 win over Atlanta.

Prior to Nootbaar's one-out solo shot in the sixth inning, the Cardinals had not recorded a hit against Atlanta starter Jake Odorizzi. The rookie outfielder continues to look good in August -- he's gone 14-for-43 (.326) with four homers, eight RBI and 13 runs scored across his last 12 games. For the season, he's up to a .246/.357/.467 slash line with nine long balls, three steals, 29 RBI and 38 runs scored through 235 plate appearances. Nootbaar has hit leadoff in 12 straight games versus right-handed pitchers.

Nootbaar went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Wednesday's 7-1 loss to the Cubs.

Nootbaar provided all of St Louis' offense Wednesday with a solo home run to right field against Luke Farrell in the fifth inning. The round tripper was the outfielder's eighth on the season. The 24-year-old moved his slash line to .243/.361/.463 with the home run as he has made the most of his opportunities hitting out of the leadoff spot recently.

Nootbaar went 3-for-3 with a triple, two walks, three runs and three RBI during Saturday's 16-7 win against the Diamondbacks.

Nootbaar reached base five times during Saturday's win, walking in the third and ninth, singling in the fourth and eighth and tripling in the sixth, collecting three runs and RBI along the way. The 24-year-old has walked 15 times in 51 August at-bats and his 15.3 BB% ranks fourth among players with at least 150 plate appearances.

Nootbaar went 2-for-3 with a two-run homer, two walks and an additional run scored in Thursday's victory over the Rockies.

Nootbaar led off the Cardinals three-run first with an infield single and added a two-run homer in the sixth to extend St. Louis' lead to 12-0. Over his last 31 games (83 plate appearances), the second-year outfield has slashed .313/.434/.566 while walking (19) more times than he's struck out (18).

Nootbaar went 1-for-3 with a stolen base in Friday's 3-1 win over the Brewers.

Nootbaar extended his hitting streak to six games Friday, and he's recorded two of his three steals this season in that span. The outfielder has gone 7-for-20 (.350) during the streak, lifting his season slash line to .241/.335/.426 through 59 contests, surpassing his games played from his rookie season last year. Nootbaar's added five home runs, 21 RBI, 23 runs scored, two triples and seven doubles while solidifying an everyday role in right field.

Nootbaar went 2-for-4 with two triples, two RBI and a stolen base in Wednesday's 9-5 win against Colorado.

Nootbaar plated the final run in a big first inning for St. Louis with a sacrifice fly. He added two triples to his stat line, including one that knocked in the Cardinals' final run in the ninth frame. Nootbaar had just one big-league triple over 114 contests coming into Wednesday, and his fifth-inning stolen base was just the fourth of his career.

Nootbaar is starting in right field and batting ninth Friday against lefty Nestor Cortes and the Yankees, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

It's noteworthy that the lefty-hitting Nootbaar is in there with a same-handed pitcher on the mound for the opposition. He has now started 10 games in a row, including two against southpaws.

Nootbaar went 3-for-3 with a walk in Tuesday's 6-0 win over the Cubs.

All three of Nootbaar's hits were singles, and he wasn't able to score despite twice getting into scoring position in four trips aboard. Still, the outfielder is enjoying a solid stretch at the plate -- he's gone 8-for-18 (.444) with five walks in his last six games. He's lifted his season slash line to .230/.321/.407 with five home runs, 17 RBI, 19 runs scored and a stolen base in 131 plate appearances. With Harrison Bader (foot) in the Bronx and Dylan Carlson taking over full-time in center field, Nootbaar has a clear path to a near-everyday role in right field going forward.

Nootbaar will start in right field and bat sixth in Tuesday's game against the Cubs.

With St. Louis dealing Harrison Bader (foot) to the Yankees on Tuesday and with Juan Yepez (forearm) likely a week or more away from coming off the injured list, Nootbaar looks like he'll have some leeway as an everyday player in the outfield. Nootbaar already appears to be playing ahead of Brendan Donovan and Corey Dickerson, who have now picked up seven and four starts over the past 10 games, while Nootbaar has started in all but one of those contests. Nootbaar concluded July with a .317/.420/.610 slash line over 18 games.

Nootbaar went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Friday's 6-2 win over the Nationals.

Nootbaar went back-to-back with Nolan Gorman in the sixth inning as the Cardinals doubled their offense from three to six runs. Since the All-Star break, Nootbaar has gone 4-for-15 (.267) with two extra-base hits, two RBI and three runs scored. The 24-year-old is getting a regular look in right field with Harrison Bader's (foot) absence requiring Dylan Carlson to cover center field. For the season, Nootbaar owns a .210/.294/.400 slash line with five homers, 16 RBI, 17 runs scored, a stolen base and five doubles through 119 plate appearances.

Nootbaar will start in right field and bat seventh in Wednesday's game in Toronto.

Nootbaar will get a third consecutive start and his fourth in five games since the All-Star break after he went 1-for-2 with a pair of walks and a run in Tuesday's 10-3 loss. The Cardinals will get back Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado from the restricted list following Wednesday's contest, at which point Brendan Donovan could see more time in right field and close off Nootbaar's path to steady playing time.

Nootbaar went 1-for-4 with a three-run home run, a walk and two total runs scored in Saturday's 11-3 win over the Reds.

Nootbaar has quietly hit safely in his last six games, though he had a brief trip to Triple-A Memphis in the midst of that stretch. He's gone 7-for-16 (.438) with four extra-base hits as he continues to improve at the plate. Through 101 plate appearances this year, he's slashing .200/.277/.378 with four homers, 14 RBI, 14 runs scored, a stolen base and four doubles. With Juan Yepez (forearm) and Harrison Bader (foot) sidelined, Nootbaar should have a chance to carve out a role against right-handed pitching until the Cardinals' outfield group is healthier.

Nootbaar was recalled from Triple-A Memphis on Friday.

The 24-year-old was demoted to Memphis on Thursday but will rejoin the big club a day later since Juan Yepez (forearm) was placed on the injured list. Nootbaar should serve as a reserve outfielder until Yepez or Harrison Bader (foot) are able to rejoin the active roster after the All-Star break.

Nootbaar was optioned to Triple-A Memphis on Thursday.

Nootbaar recorded hits in each of his last five games and went 6-for-12 with a homer, two doubles, three runs and three RBI over that stretch. However, he had lost out on some playing time recently and will head to the minors after Tyler O'Neill (hamstring) was reinstated from the 10-day injured list Thursday.

Nootbaar hit a solo home run in his only at-bat in Monday's 6-1 win over the Phillies.

Nootbaar replaced Juan Yepez in right field at the start of the eighth inning. In the bottom of the frame, Nootbaar hit a leadoff homer. The 24-year-old outfielder has filled more of a reserve role even with the Cardinals missing Tyler O'Neill (hamstring/wrist) and Harrison Bader (foot). Nootbaar has gone 4-for-12 with a homer, a double and three RBI in July, but he's still slashing a poor .173/.253/.321 through 91 plate appearances this season.

Nootbaar is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Phillies.

Nootbaar went 2-for-6 with a double and an RBI while starting the final two games of the weekend, but he'll be on the bench for Monday's series finale. Brendan Donovan (illness) could be ready to rejoin the St. Louis lineup as soon as Tuesday's game against the Dodgers and Tyler O'Neill (hamstring/wrist) may be ready to come off the 10-day injured list before the All-Star break, so Nootbaar's small window of opportunity could come to a close quickly.

Nootbaar remains out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against Atlanta.

Sitting for the third game in a row, Nootbaar looks to be the Cardinals' fourth outfielder at the moment, even while all of Tyler O'Neill (hamstring), Harrison Bader (foot) and Corey Dickerson (calf) are still on the injured list. Conner Capel will be rewarded with a third straight start in right field after going 1-for-2 with a home run and two RBI in Monday's 6-3 loss.

Nootbaar is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Phillies.

The lefty-hitting Nootbaar will have a clearer path to playing time in the outfield with all of Tyler O'Neill (hamstring), Harrison Bader (foot) and Corey Dickerson (calf) on the shelf, but he won't necessarily be a mainstay in the lineup, even versus right-handed pitching. Conner Capel will replace Nootbaar in the outfield Sunday with right-hander Zack Wheeler on the bump for Philadelphia.

Nootbaar is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Marlins, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

With southpaw Braxton Garrett on the mound for Miami, the lefty-hitting Nootbaar will bow out of the lineup after going 0-for-4 with a strikeout in Monday's 9-0 win. While Tyler O'Neill (hamstring), Harrison Bader (foot) and Corey Dickerson (calf) are all on the injured list, Nootbaar should continue to see steady starts, against right-handed pitching.

Nootbaar will start in right field and bat eighth in Monday's game against the Marlins, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Nootbaar was on the bench for the entire three-game series with the Cubs over the weekend, but he could temporarily step into a regular role versus right-handed pitching after fellow outfielder Harrison Bader (foot) was placed on the 10-day injured list Monday. With Bader joining Tyler O'Neill (hamstring) and Corey Dickerson (calf) on the IL, the Cardinals' outfield depth in being tested at the moment, and Nootbaar and Brendan Donovan appear to be the most logical candidates to play alongside Dylan Carlson in most games. The lefty-hitting Nootbaar could give way to Juan Yepez against left-handed pitching, however.

Nootbaar went 2-for-3 with a solo home run in Thursday's 6-4 loss to the Brewers.

Nootbaar got the Cardinals within a run with his fifth-inning blast, but they couldn't even up the score. He's gone 3-for-9 across four games since he was called up to replace Tyler O'Neill on the big-league roster. Playing time is likely to be limited for Nootbaar as he fills the role of a fourth outfielder. He's slashing .169/.242/.305 with two homers, seven RBI, nine runs scored and a stolen base in 66 plate appearances overall.

Nootbar was recalled from Triple-A Memphis on Monday, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Nootbar's arrival gives the Cardinals an additional outfielder with Tyler O'Neill (hamstring) hitting the injured list. Nootbar accomplished very little with his 57 plate appearances earlier in the season, striking out a third of the time while hitting .140/.228/.240.

Nootbaar was optioned to Triple-A Memphis on Friday.

Nootbaar joined the active roster in late May when Dylan Carlson went down with a strained hamstring. He didn't see regular playing time and didn't have much success at the plate, hitting .147/.211/.294 across 15 games. With Carlson returning from the injured list Friday, Nootbaar will return to the minors.

Nootbaar is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Rays.

The lefty-hitting Nootbaar's move to the bench coincides with Tampa Bay bringing a lefty (Jeffrey Springs) to the hill, but the 24-year-old appears likely to lose out on at-bats against right-handed pitching as well with Tyler O'Neill (shoulder) returning from the injured list Tuesday. With O'Neill back in action, Brendan Donovan is expected to see most of the starts at the other corner-outfield spot until Dylan Carlson (hamstring) is ready to return from the IL. Nootbaar went a collective 4-for-19 with a home run, two doubles, three RBI and two runs while starting in five of the Cardinals' last six games.

Nootbaar went 2-for-5 with a home run, a double and two RBI in Friday's 14-5 win over the Cubs.

Nootbaar's gone 3-for-9 with a homer and a pair of doubles over his last two games. He continues to fill in for a depleted Cardinals outfield that's likely to be missing Dylan Carlson (hamstring) and Tyler O'Neill (shoulder) for roughly one more week. Nootbaar has a .154/.214/.282 slash line, four RBI, seven runs scored and a stolen base in 42 plate appearances. With his start in Game 1 of Saturday's doubleheader versus the Cubs, the 24-year-old will be in the lineup for a fourth straight game, though it's possible he's benched for the nightcap.

The Cardinals recalled Nootbaar from Triple-A Memphis on Monday.

Nootbaar will make the jump to the big leagues fresh off going 3-for-5 with three home runs and seven RBI on Sunday in Memphis' 10-4 win over Gwinnett. Overall, Nootbaar produced a 1.050 OPS across 50 plate appearances with Memphis following his demotion from the Cardinals on April 25. While he's up with the Cardinals for the second time this season, the lefty-hitting Nootbaar could vie for a strong-side platoon role in the corner outfield with both Dylan Carlson (hamstring) and Tyler O'Neill (shoulder) on the 10-day injured list.

Nootbaar was optioned to Triple-A Memphis on Monday.

Nootbaar had been with the team since Opening Day but didn't have a path to regular at-bats. He went .125/.263/.125 in 19 plate appearances across the team's first 14 games, starting four times. Brendan Donovan was recalled to take his place on the roster.

Nootbaar went 1-for-5 with a stolen base and a pair of strikeouts in Saturday's 5-0 win over the Reds.

Nootbaar had seen little opportunity to play early in the season, but he's spelled each of Dylan Carlson, Harrison Bader and Tyler O'Neill once in the last four games. Through 19 plate appearances, Nootbaar hasn't made much of his limited playing time. He's 2-for-16 with one RBI, three runs scored, a stolen base and a 3:9 K:BB. The 24-year-old will likely continue to serve as a fourth outfielder for the Cardinals.

Nootbaar will serve as the Cardinals' designated hitter and will bat fifth Monday against the Pirates, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Nootbaar broke camp as the Cardinals' fourth outfielder, but he went unused off the bench for the first three games of the series with St. Louis went with an outfield of Tyler O'Neill, Harrison Bader and Dylan Carlson from left to right. The Cardinals will go with that outfield configuration once again Monday and likely in most games when all are available, but Nootbaar will get a look at DH in the series finale while Corey Dickerson and Albert Pujols take a seat.

Nootbaar is 3-for-19 with five walks, one RBI and three runs scored in eight Grapefruit League games.

Nootbaar hasn't shown enough with the bat this spring to displace any of Tyler O'Neill, Harrison Bader or Dylan Carlson from starting gigs across the outfield. It seems more than likely Nootbaar will begin the season in a fourth outfielder role, if he can break camp with the Cardinals -- which is no guarantee with the signings of Corey Dickerson and Albert Pujols this spring. Nootbaat hit a mild .239/.317/.422 with five home runs, 15 RBI, 15 runs scored and two stolen bases in 124 plate appearances last season at the major-league level. It's possible the 24-year-old just needs a little more time with Triple-A Memphis, where he slashed .308/.404/.496 in 35 games in 2021.

Nootbaar went 2-fo-3 with an RBI single and a walk in a win over the Cubs on Friday. He was also caught stealing on his only attempt.

The rookie's sixth-inning knock plated Tyler O'Neill to knot the score at 3-3 at the time. Nootbaar appears set to wrap up the regular season in highly encouraging fashion, as he's now hitting .471 (8-for-17) with two home runs, five RBI, a walk and four runs over his last six games.

Nootbaar went 3-for-4 with two solo home runs and three RBI in Friday's 12-4 win over the Cubs in the second game of Friday's doubleheader.

Nootbaar went deep in the third and seventh inning during the second game of Friday's doubleheader. He also added an RBI single in the fifth. It was his first time leaving the yard since Aug. 13 and just his fourth and fifth time overall this year. The 23-year-old doesn't get a lot of starts but made the most of his opportunity Friday and is now slashing .221/.306/.432 with nine extra-base hits, 13 RBI, 13 runs scored, two steals and 12:24 BB:K over 109 plate appearances in his first MLB stint.

Nootbaar is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Tigers, Zachary Silver of MLB.com reports.

Nootbaar posted a .758 OPS while starting in each of the Cardinals' last nine games, but he'll likely have to settle for a role as the team's fourth outfielder moving forward after Dylan Carlson (wrist) returned from the injured list Tuesday. Tyler O'Neill is dealing with back stiffness, but the Cardinals are labeling him as day-to-day and are hopeful he'll be ready to reclaim his usual spot in left field by the end of the weekend. O'Neill, Harrison Bader and Carlson will comprise St. Louis' everyday outfield from left to right when all three are healthy.

Nootbaar, who went 2-for-4 with a double in a win over the Pirates on Sunday, is hitting .368 (7-for-19) with Sunday's two-bagger, a home run and two RBI over his last five games.

The rookie has boosted his season average 67 points to .267 since Aug. 12, extending the hot hitting he'd displayed all season at Triple-A Memphis before his promotion. Nootbaar has also notably improved on the 18.4 percent strikeout rate he generated with the Redbirds, as he's gone down on strikes at a 16.2 percent clip over his first 68 encounters with big-league arms.

Nootbaar went 1-for-3 with a solo home run and a walk in an 8-4 victory against the Brewers on Thursday.

Batting fifth, Nootbaar homered off Brandon Woodruff in the fifth inning to cap a five-run inning and later walked in the seventh to reach base twice in consecutive games. The 23-year-old has compiled an impressive .229/.321/.479 slash line in 48 at-bats and has filled in admirably for the injured Dylan Carlson. Look for Nootbaar to return to a fourth-outfielder/bench-bat role soon as Carlson is expected back within the next week.

Nootbaar will start in right field and bat sixth Wednesday against the Brewers.

After providing a pair of pinch-hit home runs over the weekend against Kansas City, Nootbaar will draw his fourth consecutive start Wednesday. The lefty-hitting Nootbaar looks poised to fill a strong-side platoon role in the corner outfield while the Cardinals wait for Dylan Carlson (wrist) to return from the injured list.

Nootbaar went 1-for-1 with a two-run homer in Thursday's 7-6 win over the Pirates.

Nootbaar remained out of the starting lineup once again Thursday, but he served as a pinch hitter in the top of the fourth inning and put the Cardinals on top with his two-run shot. Since returning to the major-league roster July 31, the 23-year-old has gone 2-for-4 with a homer, three RBI, two runs and a walk across six games.

Nootbar was recalled by the Cardinals on Friday.

Nootbar appeared in his first 11 MLB games earlier in the year but didn't do much with his 30 plate appearances, hitting just .154/.233/.231. He'll likely serve a bench role for now.

The Cardinals optioned Nootbaar to Triple-A Memphis on Monday.

Nootbaar earned a look in an everyday role following his first big-league call-up in late June, but he served exclusively as a fourth outfielder in his second stint with St. Louis. Following his July 7 promotion, Nootbaar appeared in just two games for the Cardinals and picked up two plate appearances in total. He'll get the chance to play regularly upon returning to Memphis.

The Cardinals recalled Nootbaar from Triple-A Memphis on Wednesday, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

The rookie hit .160 with a triple and three RBI in 25 at-bats before being sent down July 1. Nootbaar's .310 average and five homers with Memphis have certainly turned heads, though, and he'll provide additional outfield depth going into the All-Star break. Carlos Martinez (thumb) was placed on the 10-day IL in a corresponding move Wednesday.

Nootbaar was optioned to Triple-A Memphis on Thursday.

Nootbaar had gone hitless with a walk and two strikeouts in his last 11 at-bats, and he had been out of the lineup for each of the last two games. The 23-year-old will now return to the minors after Harrison Bader (ribs) was reinstated from the 10-day injured list Thursday.

Nootbaar remains out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Diamondbacks, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

The lefty-hitting Nootbaar saw a streak of seven consecutive starts come to an end Tuesday, when Arizona brought southpaw Caleb Smith to the hill. Though Arizona will start a right-hander (Riley Smith) on Wednesday, Nootbaar will remain on the bench, perhaps signaling that his days as a regular in the St. Louis outfield could be numbered. The 23-year-old rookie is off to a 4-for-23 start (.174 average) to his big-league career.

Nootbaar went 2-for-4 with an RBI single, a walk and a run in a loss to the Pirates on Friday.

The rookie has made a quick impression at the big-league level over his first four games, as he's now hit safely in three straight contests and has already driven in a pair of runs. Nootbaar has drawn starts in all four of those contests thus far and has certainly earned the opportunity for regular playing time with his early performances.

Nootbaar is 1-for-6 with a triple, RBI sacrifice fly and a run in his first two big-league games.

The 23-year-old made his big-league debut in left field on Tuesday before drawing a turn in right field in Wednesday's matinee. Nootbaar's three-bagger came in the latter contest, and his efforts over the first pair of games are likely to continue earning him additional opportunities.

Nootbaar is in the starting lineup for Tuesday's game against the Tigers, batting ninth and playing left field, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Nootbaar was recalled earlier Tuesday with Lane Thomas being sent to Triple-A Memphis in a corresponding roster move. He'll be making his major-league debut after slashing a strong .329/.430/.557 across 93 plate appearances with Memphis. While Nootbar is starting in left field during the series opener, he seems more likely than not to get most of his starts in the opposite corner of the outfield when the club returns to National League play, as Tyler O'Neill will return to his typical spot in left field.