Cardinals’ Willson Contreras Doubtful for Wednesday After HBP Injury

The injury bug has struck St. Louis Cardinals catcher turned first baseman Willson Contreras again. Fans are worried about his availability for the next slate of games.

Tuesday night’s nail-biter against the Pittsburgh Pirates took a rough turn when Contreras took a pitch to his left hand from Pirates ace Paul Skenes. X-rays didn’t show a fracture, but the Cardinals still dropped the game 1-0, making the rest of this tough season feel even heavier without one of their key bats.

The Incident: Willson Contreras Takes Another Hit

Contreras’ latest injury happened in the fourth inning. The tough veteran tried to shake it off and stayed in the game for a bit.

He took first base, then tried to score from second on a Pedro Pages single. Pirates left fielder Tommy Pham threw him out at the plate.

After that play, Contreras left the game. Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol had to shuffle the defense, moving Alec Burleson from left field to first and sliding Garrett Hampson into left.

A Troubling History with Hand Injuries

This new contusion brings back memories of Contreras’ ongoing struggles with left hand injuries. Last August, he fractured his left middle finger after getting hit by a pitch, ending his season.

Contreras says he expects to feel fine after a day or two of rest. Still, it’s a tough reminder of how fragile his health has been, especially late in the year.

Contreras’ Impact: A Key Piece in a Tough Season

The Cardinals have had a rough 2023, but Willson Contreras has been one of the few steady spots. In 82 games, the 33-year-old is hitting .248 with 11 home runs and 51 RBIs.

Those numbers aren’t career highs, but his presence in the lineup still matters. His power and run production have offered at least a little hope in a frustrating St. Louis season.

If Contreras misses even a few games, it could really shake things up.

Uncertainty Looms Over Wednesday’s Finale

Both Contreras and manager Oliver Marmol aren’t sure if he’ll play in Wednesday’s finale against Pittsburgh. The X-rays didn’t show a break, but the pain is enough to keep everyone guessing.

Marmol might play it safe, especially with a scheduled off day on Thursday. Most fans will be watching for updates as the Cardinals get ready for the weekend series against the Chicago Cubs.

What’s Next for the Cardinals and Willson Contreras?

The Cardinals really can’t afford to lose Contreras now, with divisional matchups coming up fast. Friday’s three-game set against the Cubs could be huge, both for the standings and for Contreras facing his old team.

Everyone’s going to be checking for news on his hand. If he comes back quickly, it could change the whole mood as St. Louis tries to finish strong.

Key Takeaways

• Health First: Willson Contreras suffered a left hand contusion but dodged a worse outcome. X-rays showed no fracture, which is a relief.
• Historical Concerns: Contreras has dealt with hand injuries before, including a 2024 fracture. That history makes this setback feel a bit more worrisome.
• Lineup Impacts: The injury forced some quick defensive changes. Alec Burleson moved to first base, and Garrett Hampson shifted into left field.
• Pivotal Weekend Ahead: Contreras’ recovery really matters as the Cardinals get ready for a big divisional series against the Cubs.

Willson Contreras seems hopeful about bouncing back. Still, these injuries need patience and smart handling.

The Cardinals have a day off on Thursday, which honestly feels perfectly timed. As Friday’s opener against the Cubs approaches, one question hangs in the air: Will Contreras suit up—and if he does, can he give the team that steadying presence they’ve been missing?

 
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