"An injured list stint has been a possibility since the Cardinals announced that Nootbaar had surgery to address Haglund's deformities on both heels. The health uncertainty seemingly took the veteran outfielder off the trade block over the winter. Nootbaar was loosely tied to the Rangers, Mets and Pirates at points throughout the offseason. There was too much uncertainty in his health outlook for the Cardinals to net a strong enough return to move him."
"Nootbaar's injury leaves the Opening Day left field job available. The Cardinals were in the market for a right-handed hitting outfielder late in the offseason but didn't come away with any MLB additions. They signed Nelson Velázquez to a minor league deal. He's mashing at a .333/.440/.524 clip with four walks and two strikeouts in 25 plate appearances this spring."
Lars Nootbaar remains sidelined from spring training as he recovers from bilateral heel surgeries to address Haglund's deformities. The Cardinals anticipate he will start the season on the injured list with no definitive timeline for his debut. His health uncertainty prevented the team from trading him during the offseason despite interest from the Rangers, Mets, and Pirates. With two years of arbitration control remaining, Nootbaar posted career-worst offensive numbers last season but remains a potential deadline trade candidate if healthy. The Cardinals are exploring left field options including Nelson Velázquez, who is performing well in spring training, and utility players to fill the Opening Day vacancy.
Read at MLB Trade Rumors
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