The St. Louis Cardinals have been one of the biggest surprises of the 2026 MLB season, outperforming expectations despite entering the year projected by many to finish near the bottom of the National League Central. Instead of struggling through a rebuilding campaign, the Cardinals’ young roster has emerged as a competitive and energized group determined to prove doubters wrong.
As May comes to a close, St. Louis sits at 28-21, good for third place in a tightly contested NL Central race. Even more impressive, the Cardinals are only two games behind the division leader, putting them firmly in the playoff conversation earlier than many anticipated. Their balanced offense, youthful energy, and improved chemistry have all played major roles in the team’s strong start.
The club is also preparing to welcome back one of its most recognizable players: Lars Nootbaar. The fan-favorite outfielder has yet to appear in a game this season after undergoing offseason surgery to address Haglund’s deformities in both heels. His recovery process kept him sidelined throughout the opening months of the season, but his return now appears close.
Nootbaar recently began a rehab assignment in Palm Beach and immediately looked healthy at the plate. In his very first at-bat, he launched a home run on the opening swing, an encouraging sign for both the player and the organization. The Cardinals expect his return to provide an emotional boost as well as a productive bat for the lineup.
Although the roster is filled with younger players, Nootbaar is viewed as one of the team’s more experienced clubhouse voices. His personality and leadership have made him a beloved figure among teammates and fans alike. Beyond his impact in St. Louis, Nootbaar also gained international fame through his participation in the World Baseball Classic, where he became a global sensation and significantly boosted the Cardinals’ worldwide visibility.
On the field, his ability to get on base consistently could further strengthen an offense that already ranks among the better units in baseball. St. Louis currently sits 12th in MLB offensively, and adding Nootbaar’s disciplined approach at the plate could make the lineup even tougher to navigate.
However, while his return is exciting, it also creates an intriguing roster question for manager Oliver Marmol and the Cardinals coaching staff. During Nootbaar’s absence, outfielder Nathan Church has stepped into a much larger role and made the most of the opportunity.
Church has become one of the team’s key contributors during the first two months of the season. Across 27 games, he has posted a 0.9 WAR while adding five home runs and 18 RBI. In addition to his offensive production, Church has delivered outstanding defense in left field, earning praise for his Gold Glove-caliber play.
His numbers dipped somewhat during May, though that decline now appears tied to the shoulder strain that landed him on the injured list. Even so, his overall performance this season has significantly elevated his standing within the organization.
Previously viewed primarily as a platoon or bench option, Church has now established himself as a legitimate everyday player. His growth has created real competition in the outfield and may complicate Nootbaar’s path back to a guaranteed starting role.
While Nootbaar still possesses the talent and reputation to reclaim a regular spot in the lineup, the Cardinals may no longer simply hand him the left field position upon his return. Instead, he could find himself battling Church for playing time as the season continues.
What once seemed like a straightforward return for one of the franchise’s most popular players has suddenly become one of the more interesting storylines surrounding the Cardinals’ surprising 2026 campaign.
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