St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Lars Nootbaar is dealing with a rib and abdomen injury after getting hurt attempting to field a fly ball on Saturday. He hasn't appeared in any Cactus League action since and will go in for testing to try and find the cause of his lingering soreness. The 26-year-old is 4-for-9 with two walks, a stolen base, and just one strikeout across 11 plate appearances. Nootbaar is coming off a solid season that saw him hit .261 with 14 home runs, 11 stolen bases, and a .785 OPS across 117 games on the season. He hasn't played in more than those 117 games in his career but ATC is projecting 123 games from him in 2024 with 18 home runs and nine stolen bases in that time. He is a solid value with an ADP of 203.2 this spring.

In his first season with a projected starting role in 2024, St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Lars Nootbaar retooled his swing in the offseason with the help of Nolan Arenado after a disappointing 2023 campaign that saw him miss round 40 games due to injuries. Nootbaar revamped his swing mechanics in hopes of adding more power. The 26-year-old left-handed hitter clubbed 14 homers with a .418 slugging percentage in 426 at-bats in 2023, but there could be more power in his lumber. Nootbaar has always had great plate discipline, but he wanted to work on his lower half while also being able to lift more balls in the air to his pull side. Nootbaar's hands are now lower off his shoulders, which will allow him to create a more vertical swing path. Even if Nootbaar's average suffers as a result, it should lead to more backspin and balls clearing the fences. His power/speed combination makes him an intriguing fourth or fifth fantasy outfielder with upside.

The St. Louis Cardinals activated outfielder Lars Nootbaar (groin) from the 10-day injured list on Friday. Nootbaar is right back in the fold on Friday, starting in center field and hitting leadoff against the Pittsburgh Pirates and right-hander Mitch Keller. The 25-year-old landed on the injured list on Aug. 17 after fouling a pitch off his groin, but he's back now and ready to serve as the team's regular center fielder to close out what has been a really disappointing season for the Cards. The 25-year-old has been a bright spot for St. Louis when he's been on the field, though, slashing .283/.382/.453 with an .835 OPS, 12 home runs, 39 RBI, eight stolen bases and 60 runs scored in 90 games played in just his third MLB season.

St. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley (forearm) and outfielder Lars Nootbaar (groin) are expected to be activated from the injured list by Friday when major-league rosters expand, according to manager Oliver Marmol. Helsley, who hasn't pitched in the majors since June 7, is scheduled to throw a bullpen session at Busch Stadium on Wednesday. Don't be surprised if the Cards ease the 29-year-old Helsley back into the closer's role after a long layoff from a right-forearm strain. JoJo Romero has been the team's primary closer of late with Helsley out of commission. Nootbaar is starting a minor-league rehab assignment on Wednesday and should be back with the team this weekend. When the 25-year-old is back, he'll likely return to starting center-field duties in St. Louis.

St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Lars Nootbaar (groin), who has been out since Aug. 16 after fouling a ball off his groin, has progressed to the point that he will work out with the Cardinals for a second straight day on Tuesday before beginning a minor-league rehab assignment with Triple-A Memphis on Wednesday. Barring a setback in minor-league action, Nootbaar could return from the 10-day injured list by Friday. Thumb, back and groin injuries have limited him to 90 games in 2023, and he's hit .283 with 12 home runs, 39 RBI and an .835 OPS. In the second half, Nootbaar has been great, hitting .330 with seven long balls, 14 RBI and a 1.027 OPS in 30 games, so fantasy managers in deeper leagues will be hoping he can pick up where he left off if he returns this weekend.

The St. Louis Cardinals placed outfielder Lars Nootbaar (abdomen) on the 10-day injured list on Thursday with a lower-abdomen contusion, according to the team. The Cardinals promoted top prospect Masyn Winn from Triple-A Memphis in a corresponding move. Nootbaar fouled a ball off his groin on Wednesday night and had to make a trip to the hospital. Hopefully the 25-year-old will only miss the minimum time on the injured list after feeling better on Thursday. Nootbaar has provided a solid mix of power and speed for fantasy managers in deep-mixed leagues while also hitting for a solid average of .283 (93-for-329) in his third year in the majors. He's currently sitting at 12 home runs (two shy of his career-high), 18 doubles, a triple, 39 RBI, eight stolen bases and 60 runs scored in 90 games.

St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Lars Nootbaar (groin) said he was feeling much better on Thursday after leaving Wednesday's game against the Oakland Athletics early with a groin contusion. Nootbaar went to the emergency room Wednesday night for testing after fouling a ball off his groin and is hopeful he can return to the lineup in a matter of days. Tommy Edman (calf) is starting in center field and batting leadoff on Thursday against New York Mets left-hander Jose Quintana. Nootbaar may have been out of the lineup anyway on Thursday against a left-hander. He has just one of his 12 homers this year against southpaws in 92 plate appearances. Overall, he's been pretty solid for St. Louis, hitting .283 (93-for-329) with 12 homers, 39 RBI, eight stolen bases and 60 runs scored. Check back to see if he's in the lineup on Friday against the Mets.

St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Lars Nootbaar (groin) was forced to exit early during Wednesday's game against the Oakland Athletics. He was replaced in the fifth inning after fouling a ball off his groin area. Tommy Edman took over in center field after Nootbaar exited the game. However, Edman was also forced to leave the game due to a leg injury. The 28-year-old fouled a ball off his leg and exited the ballgame. The assumption is that both players are considered as day-to-day. Fantasy managers will have to check back for more updates.

St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Lars Nootbaar (heel) left Sunday's matchup against the Cubs due to heel soreness. Nootbaar, batting .288 with 21 hits (five doubles), six RBI, and three homers in July, went 0-for-3 before being replaced by Jordan Walker. The Cardinals will hit the road and head for Arizona to meet the Diamondbacks on Monday evening. However, there's a chance Nootbaar won't be out there, although there should be an update soon.

St. Louis Cardinals infielder Nolan Gorman and outfielder Lars Nootbaar are both out of Friday's lineup against left-hander Justin Steele and the division-rival Chicago Cubs. Jose Fermin will get the start at second base and bat in the nine-hole, while Andrew Knizner gets the start behind the plate and bats eighth. Willson Contreras will serve as the designated hitter and bat cleanup. Dylan Carlson is starting in center field and batting leadoff. Gorman is hitting a decent .257 (9-for-35) against lefties in 2023, but he has only two of his 19 homers against them. Meanwhile, Nootbaar is hitting only .214 (12-for-56) against southpaws with no home runs and six RBI. Carlson will be a sneaky DFS play on Friday out of the leadoff spot. He's gone 17-for-58 (.293) against lefties this year.

The St. Louis Cardinals activated outfielder Lars Nootbaar (back) from the injured list on Monday and optioned first baseman Luken Baker to Triple-A Memphis in a corresponding move. Nootbaar returns to the club for the first time since May 29 after managing two home runs as part of a four-hit attack in his final minor-league rehab game on Sunday for Double-A Springfield. He will return to a regular role in the outfield for the Red Birds, at least against right-handed pitching. Before landing on the injured list with a lower-back contusion, the 25-year-old left-handed hitter was batting .266 (41-for-184) with seven doubles, four home runs, 21 RBI, five stolen bases and 25 runs scored in 42 games (184 plate appearances).

St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Lars Nootbaar (back) could potentially make his return to the field versus the Washington Nationals on Monday. He started his minor league rehab assignment earlier this week and will be re-evaluated on Sunday. Nootbaar put together a four-hit performance on Sunday. He appears ready to make his return, but fantasy managers will have to wait and check back on Monday. Nootbaar has been sidelined since late May due to a back contusion.

St. Louis Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said that outfielder Lars Nootbaar (back) will join Triple-A Memphis and is expected to start a minor-league rehab assignment soon. The Cardinals are hopeful that Nootbaar will be ready to rejoin the big-league roster before the trip to London to face the Chicago Cubs next weekend. The 25-year-old left-handed-hitting outfielder has been sidelined since May 29 with his back injury, but he should return to a regular role in the Red Birds' outfield when he's deemed ready to be reinstated from the injured list. Nootbaar hasn't stood out offensively in any one category this year, as he's hitting .266 (41-for-154) with seven doubles, four home runs, 21 RBI, five stolen bases and 25 runs scored in 184 plate appearances over 42 games.

St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Lars Nootbaar (back) is still experiencing discomfort and is limited in his baseball activity, according to manager Oliver Marmol. Nootbaar is a ways away from a minor-league rehab assignment. It sounds as though Tommy Edman will continue to see the majority of repetitions in center field, even with Dylan Carlson returning from the injured list on Friday. The 25-year-old has been out since late last month and was eligible to return from the 10-day IL on Friday, but he's obviously going to need more time. Nootbaar was hitting .266 (41-for-154) with an excellent .380 on-base percentage, seven doubles, four homers, 21 RBI, five stolen bases and 25 runs in 184 plate appearances over 42 games.

St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Lars Nootbaar (back) has been placed on the 10-day injured list, retroactive to May 30. The left-handed slugger is dealing with a lower-back contusion that he suffered during Monday's contest. Originally, the team thought it was a day-to-day issue, but they have decided to give Nootbaar some extended rest. In a corresponding move, outfielder Jordan Walker has been recalled from Triple-A Memphis. The top prospect played 19 games with the Cardinals earlier in the season before being sent down to the minors. He slashed .274/.321/.397 with two home runs and 11 RBI in those 19 contests. Fantasy managers should make sure to double check the waiver wire to see if Walker is available.

St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Lars Nootbaar (back) was forced to exit early during Monday's game against the Kansas City Royals. It sounds like the 25-year-old was removed due to back spasms. He suffered the injury while tracking down a flyball in the third inning. This doesn't sound like a serious injury, so fantasy managers should consider Nootbaar day-to-day. The Cardinals have a few off days coming up this week, so Nootbaar might not end up missing much time.

St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Lars Nootbaar is out of the starting lineup for Monday's game against the Cincinnati Reds. The left-handed slugger will get a rest day after playing in 29 straight contests. The 25-year-old outfielder is batting .258/.384/.371 with three homers, 15 RBI and five stolen bases in 34 games. Oscar Mercado will cover center field and bat eighth versus lefty Brandon Williamson on Monday.

St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Lars Nootbaar stayed hot at the dish Sunday, going 3-for-6 with a couple of doubles and three runs scored as the Cards routed the Boston Red Sox 9-1. He improves his slash line to .302/.432/.448 and has added three homers, 17 runs, 13 RBI, and five stolen bases in 96 at-bats. Nootbaar has been a fixture at the top of the Cardinals lineup against right-handed pitching all season, and that is likely to continue as the lefty has been an on-base machine. He is a must-roster player in any standard-size or deeper leagues and should be rostered in any points league regardless of size.

St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Lars Nootbaar (thumb) is set to swing a bat on Monday. The 25-year-old outfielder hasn't picked up a bat since jamming his left thumb on Opening Day. He was subsequently placed on the 10-day injured list on April 3. It's nice to see Nootbaar progress in his rehab but he's unlikely to be activated at the 10-day mark of his IL stint, according to reports. The team wants to see how his thumb responds to swinging and he's still yet to catch with it. He's got a shot to rejoin the Cards before their four-game series with the Pirates that begins on Thursday but fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status closely.

St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Lars Nootbaar (thumb) hasn't played since Opening Day when he injured his left thumb on a slide into third base, but he's scheduled to take batting practice with the team on April 10, according to manager Oliver Marmol. If he can get through that session without pain in his thumb, he could be immediately activated from the 10-day injured list. Nootbaar landed on the IL on April 3 (retroactive to March 31) and said he's still having more trouble wearing a glove and catching balls than swinging a bat. When he does return, the 25-year-old will wear a protective "oven mitt" over his hand when running the bases. There's a chance Nootbaar could be activated on Monday, but it will depend on how his thumb holds up while swinging this weekend.