ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - St. Louis Cardinals President Baseball of Operations John Mozeliak revealed Friday outfielder Lars Nootbarr has two non-displaced fractures in his ribcage, making his status for Opening Day in question, while also announcing centerfielder Tommy Edman is doubtful to be ready by Opening Day and will likely start the season on the injured list.
Nootbarr has been out of action for most this week due to soreness in his torso stemming from a play he made near the left-field warning track last Saturday against the Houston Astros.
Mozeliak wouldn't rule out Nootbarr for Opening Day, but says it will take 10-14 days to determine Nootbarr's status. Luckily Mozeliak was it seem like Nootbarr would not be completely shut down, but he will likely have limited work during this period. Pain tolerance will determine the extent of how much Nootbar swings the bat during that period.
As for Edman, Mozeliak casted doubt that he would be ready for Opening Day, describing the recovery not 'tracking' on that timetable, with the question for team is how far into the season Edman will need.
"We'll still hopeful he's progressing, but in terms of when we might actually see him, I think's it's to be determined," said Mozeliak.
Edman has been recovering from surgery to repair his right wrist. While he has been able to do throw the baseball, he has been unable to fully start swinging, with Edman recently starting to hit off a tee only from his left side. It looked unlikely during the start of camp Edman was going to be ready for Opening Day.
The injuries to Edman and Nootbarr will certainly test the Cardinals depth in the outfield to begin. Dylan Carlson will almost certainly slot in for Edman while Alec Burleson will likely slot in for Nootbarr should he be unavailable Opening Day, but questions now arise if Cardinals prospect Victor Scott II could potentially start the season on the Opening Day roster, a scenario that seemed unlikely two weeks ago.
Mozeliak wouldn't rule out Scott II making the roster, but expressed patience in fully considering that scenario.
"Clearly he has opened up some eyes," said Mozeliak. "But, we still have three weeks of camp left, so lot of time to make some decisions and judgements."
Mozeliak says that while there is a opportunity to move someone in the infield, like Brendan Donovan, into the outfield, Mozeliak preferred to avoid that scenario from occurring.
Michael Siani would likely serve as the Cardinals fourth outfielder at the moment but if Nootbarr is unable to be available for Opening Day, there's a chance Scott II could make be with the team in Los Angeles.