Central STL News

Injured St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado is set to begin light hitting later this week as part of his recovery from a right shoulder strain that has kept him sidelined since August 1. Arenado, who has been working on fielding ground balls, running, and lower body lifts at the Cardinals’ Spring Training complex in Jupiter, Florida, reunited with his teammates during their series in Miami.

“Obviously frustrated, but at the same time, I see myself getting better,” Arenado said Tuesday before the Cardinals' 7-4 win over the Marlins at loanDepot park. “I’m just trying to look at the positives and stay positive about those things. I like the way I’m starting to feel and [am] hopeful that the pain goes away soon and I can come back and play.”

With Jupiter located near Palm Beach County, Arenado took advantage of the proximity to visit his team. His uniform was set up in his usual spot in the visitors' clubhouse.

“It’s not that far away from where I’m working and I just wanted to see the guys, talk to them and hang out,” Arenado said. “It’s fun to be back. I’m just here to support them. Obviously, if they have questions, I’ll talk to them about whatever. Like I always do.”

Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol noted Arenado’s influence on the club even while injured.

“He texted me while we were back home that he’d like to pop in after his workout [Monday] in Jupiter and spend a couple of days here,” Marmol said. “Obviously, having him around is always a good thing. If it’s two days down here, we’ll take it.”

Arenado is experiencing one of the toughest seasons of his career—his 13th in Major League Baseball—with a batting average of .235 and an OPS of .660 prior to injury; both are career lows for him. He has hit 10 home runs with 43 RBIs over 394 plate appearances so far this season. Despite offensive struggles, he continues strong defensive play with a .988 fielding percentage.

“I miss competing. I don’t like missing games,” Arenado said. “I love to play. Not being able to has been frustrating, but at the same time, I’ve been trying to work hard and just find my way back.”

He traced his shoulder injury back to a jammed right index finger suffered during a game against Cleveland on June 29.

“It got swollen and I wasn’t able to grip the bat properly,” Arenado said. “And it started to wear my shoulder down because I didn’t have a top hand. It’s gone downhill ever since.”

Arenado hopes that if he can complete light hitting without discomfort he will then be cleared for throwing activities; successful completion would lead toward Minor League rehab games as he aims for a return free from pain.

“I have to come back pain-free,” Arenado said. “I feel good about the adjustments I can make. We’ll see where that takes me.

“I watch the games every night, paying attention. [I'm] not trying to look at how frustrating this year has been -- [I] try to look at what’s ahead. And I think good times are ahead.”