Breakdown
Performance
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June 6, 2026
Posts two hits in season debut
Nootbaar went 2-for-6 with a double, one RBI and one run scored in Friday's 10-3 win over the Reds.
Analysis
Nootbaar hit leadoff and recorded a single in his first at-bat of the campaign before adding an RBI double in the sixth. The 28-year-old slashed .234/.325/.361 with 13 homers, 48 RBI, 68 runs scored and four steals across 583 plate appearances in 2025 and should settle into an everyday role as long as he can stay healthy.
June 5, 2026
Activated ahead of season debut
The Cardinals activated Nootbaar (heels) from the 60-day injured list Friday.
Analysis
Noobaar is ready to make his season debut after recovering from offseason surgery to correct deformities in both heels. He looked good during a 12-game rehab stint, slashing .257/.409/.543 with three home runs and a 9:6 BB:K. The Cardinals will likely mix in some extra off days initially so they don't overload Nootbaar, but he's poised to be the team's everyday left fielder. Nootbaar is batting leadoff in Friday's game versus the Reds.
June 1, 2026
Lined up for activation Friday
Nootbaar (heels) "appears targeted" to be activated from the 60-day injured list before the start of Friday's series against the Reds, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.
Analysis
A previous report indicated that the Cardinals were aiming for June 1 for Nootbaar's season debut, but it seems he will remain on his rehab assignment a bit longer. The 28-year-old has looked good in his first 10 rehab games spread across three affiliates, slashing .259/.412/.519 with two home runs and a 7:4 BB:K. Nootbaar is working his way back from offseason double heel surgery.
