ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - The St. Louis Cardinals were dealt a very big blow Tuesday night, as catcher Willson Contreras suffered a fracture in his left arm that will not require surgery, but also take him out action for at least six to eight weeks.
The injury to Contreras is a blow both offensively and defensively, as Contreras was the Cardinals best hitter in the 2024 season, hitting a .280/.398/.551 slash line with team-leading six home runs, .950 OPS and 20 runs to go with a terrific 171 OPS+ with the bat, while posting improved defensive metrics behind the plate, such as ranking in the 91st percentile in caught stealing, the 61st percentile in framing, and the 79th percentile in blocks above average, according to Baseball Savant.
Cardinals Manager Oli Marmol says the injury is obviously a huge blow, but the club will try to stay positive as Contreras works his way back to the field for the club.
"It's definitely something you don't want to see and I feel so bad for Willson," said Marmol on Total Information A.M. Wednesday. "I know the amount of work he has put in (last) offseason and get to where he's at. He's having a really tremendous year for us. Offensively he's put up some terrific numbers. Defensively, really really good. Unfortunate what happened (Tuesday night) but we got to stay positive."
With Contreras not out until around July, his absence now opens up the opportunity for the likes of Ivan Herrera and Pedro Pages to make a mark for the Cardinals behind the plate. Marmol, specifically, like Pages work behind the plate.
"He does a really nice job back there," said Marmol. "His preparation is big league quality. I mean this guy knows what he is really doing back there. He does a nice job and he works well with our pitchers, (Cardinals pitching coach) Dusty (Blake) and just understands the game plan."
One trait that Marmol likes a ton from Pages is his ability to adapt if the game plan isn't working and won't just stick by the script.
"He does a really good job at reading the game and not just sticking to what the sheet says," said Marmol. "He's reading swings and playing the game. He's young but we like him back there."