As they prepare for a three-game series against the Washington Nationals (17-21), the St. Louis Cardinals (19-19) are getting a significant boost to their lineup with the return of Iván Herrera. The 24-year-old catcher has been activated from the 10-day injured list, the team announced Friday.
To clear a roster spot, first baseman Luken Baker has been sent down to Triple-A Memphis. Before going down with a left knee bone bruise on April 6 while running the bases against the Boston Red Sox, Herrera had been on a tear, batting .381 with a .458 on-base percentage and a 1.048 slugging percentage. He had already hit four home runs and driven in 11 runs — numbers that still rank near the top of the team despite his 31-game absence.
Fans are excited about Herrera’s return, with social media posts reflecting optimism and anticipation ahead of the road trip. The Cardinals will now carry three catchers — Pedro Pagés, Yohel Pozo, and Herrera — not counting former catcher Willson Contreras, who now plays first base.
With 35 home runs as a team, the Cardinals will be counting on Herrera’s bat to keep their offense rolling as they embark on a critical nine-game road stretch. He’s expected to start at designated hitter in Friday night’s series opener, alongside Nolan Arenado at third base, who is back after sitting out Wednesday with back spasms.
First pitch at Nationals Park is scheduled for 6:45 p.m. ET.
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