Ivan Herrera’s Injury Sets Back Cardinals’ Catcher Depth
St. Louis Cardinals’ catcher Ivan Herrera, a rising talent in the MLB, is facing an injury setback after exiting the game against the Boston Red Sox on April 6 with left knee inflammation. Herrera, who had been performing well early in the season, was forced to leave the game in the third inning, and the team later confirmed the knee issue would sideline him for a period. The 24-year-old had made a significant impact in his limited playing time this season, contributing both offensively and defensively, and his absence is a major blow to the Cardinals’ lineup.
Herrera had entered the season full of promise, hitting .400 in his first six games, including four home runs. His potential was evident, and the Cardinals were counting on him as a key part of their catching rotation. With Willson Contreras already out for a period, Herrera’s absence leaves a noticeable void. The Cardinals now find themselves relying on backup catchers like Pedro Pages and the recently promoted Nick Raposo to fill the role while Herrera recovers.
This injury is not Herrera’s first issue with health. In 2024, he had a stint on the injured list due to lower back tightness, which led to Nick Raposo’s temporary promotion. While Herrera had a strong run filling in for Contreras last season, his injury history has raised concerns about his long-term availability. The knee issue that kept him out of action is particularly concerning, as it could affect his mobility, a crucial aspect for a catcher in managing the game behind the plate.
The loss of Herrera places added pressure on the Cardinals’ already thin catching depth. Contreras, another key piece of the team’s lineup, has been battling his own injury issues, leaving the team with limited options at the position. The organization will be closely monitoring Herrera’s recovery process, but with a 5-8 record as of mid-April, the team cannot afford to miss any further production from their catching unit.
While Herrera is expected to return soon, the duration of his recovery remains unclear. It’s hoped that after a short stint on the injured list, he will be able to rejoin the lineup. In the meantime, the Cardinals will need to rely on their bullpen and other offensive players to step up in his absence. While the pitching staff has shown promise, sitting fourth in ERA with a solid rotation, the offense has struggled, particularly in close games. The team is 5-8 as of April 9, with several tough losses due to a lack of consistent hitting.
Looking ahead, the Cardinals’ primary focus will be stabilizing their catcher position and ensuring Herrera can return to full health. The injury situation remains fluid, and the team will continue to evaluate their options moving forward. With a packed schedule and a tough division ahead, the Cardinals hope to find the right balance of player health and performance to rebound in the early stages of the 2025 season.
