The St. Louis Cardinals received encouraging news on injured infielders Ramón Urías and outfielder Nathan Church, who are starting minor-league rehab assignments with Memphis (AAA). Urias, 32, a veteran versatile defender, plans to begin rehab this weekend, while Church, 25, is also set to start a rehab stint soon. On the same day, the team will activate Lars Nootbaar from the 60-day injured list for his season debut. Urias has been a bench staple with Gold Glove defense at multiple positions, though his hitting cooled after a hot start. Church has emerged this season as a steady contributor with defensive highlights—three would-be home runs robbed—and a more solid bat compared to his challenging 2023 showing.
These updates come as the Cardinals look to bolster a lineup that has struggled recently, especially as Urias and Church had provided depth and length in the lineup. With Urias nearing a return and Church progressing through Memphis, St. Louis hopes to restore its offensive and defensive balance. The timing is particularly impactful as the team prepares for a series against the Reds, emphasizing how soon both veterans could impact the lineup again.
Key takeaways:
– Urías and Church begin minor-league rehab assignments; Nootbaar set to return from the 60-day IL.
– Urias is valued for defense and veteran versatility; Church has emerged as a reliable bat with strong defensive plays.
– The Cardinals have struggled offensively without these players, highlighting the potential impact of their reintegration.
