Willson Contreras, the Cardinals’ catcher, suffered a left forearm injury during Tuesday night’s 7-5 defeat to the New York Mets after being struck by a swing.
Reporters were informed by Contreras that he would require surgery and be sidelined for a minimum of six weeks.
The injury occurred while Contreras was behind the plate with J.D. Martinez at bat in the second inning. Following the impact of Martinez’s swing, Contreras, a three-time All-Star, fell to the ground in visible pain. He then moved away before being examined by the St. Louis medical staff.
Martinez was granted first base due to catcher’s interference, leading to Contreras being diagnosed with a left forearm fracture. Iván Herrera took over the catching duties thereafter.
Contreras commented that he believed Martinez’s swing was slightly delayed, resulting in the unfortunate timing of the injury.
Miles Mikolas, the Cardinals’ starter, described Contreras as the team’s “heart and soul” behind the plate.
Despite his injury, Contreras managed to double and score a run during St. Louis’ three-run first inning. He currently boasts a batting average of .280 with six home runs and 12 RBIs. The 31-year-old is in the second year of a lucrative five-year, $87.5 million contract.
“It’s a tough one, man,” Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said. “He’s been doing such a phenomenal job. He’s an extreme competitor. He brings so much to the club performance-wise, but also with just his competitive nature, so to see him go down is tough. I feel for him, I really do. He was putting together a really nice year and helping us in a lot of ways so it’s a tough one.”
