Prior to beginning a three-game set against the Washington Nationals (17-21), the St. Louis Cardinals (19-19) will have a big bat returning to the lineup.
Catcher Iván Herrera has been activated from the 10-day injured list the team announced Friday.
First baseman Luken Baker has been optioned to Triple-A Memphis to make room for the 24-year-old right-handed power hitter. Herrera got off to a blazing start for the Redbirds this season, before suffering a left knee bone bruise while running the bases in a game against the Boston Red Sox on April 6.
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Herrera was slashing .381/.458/1.048 with four home runs and 11 RBI at the time of his injury. Despite missing 31 games, his four round-trippers still rank third on the team, behind only Willson Contreras and Lars Nootbaar, who have five each.
St. Louis Cardinals catcher Ivan Herrera (48) hits a three run home run for his third home run of the game during the eighth inning against the Los Angeles AngelsJeff Curry-Imagn Images
“Oh man!! Vibes are GOOD on this Friday,” a user exclaimed on ‘X.’
“We definitely needed to see him back in the lineup. I’m excited about this next series. Let’s see if we can stay above .500. Let’s go cards.” another user wrote.
Herrera’s return gives the Cardinals three catchers – Pedro Pagés and Yohel Pozo – on their depth chart, not including former catcher turned first baseman Contreras. He also gives St. Louis, a team that has clubbed 35 home runs this season, a much-needed power boost heading into a crucial nine-game road trip.
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Herrera (DH) and Nolan Arenado (3B), who sat out Wednesday’s game with back spasms, are both expected to be in the lineup for tonight’s series opener.
First pitch from Nationals Park is set for 6:45 p.m. ET.
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