Offseason Operations Underway for Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals are wasting no time this offseason, already announcing a series of surgical procedures for several key players. Infielders Brendan Donovan and Lars Nootbaar, as well as catcher Ivan Herrera, are all set to undergo operations in the coming weeks.
Injury Updates for Donovan, Nootbaar, and Herrera
Donovan, who emerged as a valuable utility man for the Cardinals in 2025, will have surgery to address a lingering issue with his non-throwing shoulder. The 25-year-old is expected to make a full recovery in time for spring training next year.
Outfielder Lars Nootbaar will also go under the knife, with his procedure focused on his right knee. Nootbaar played through the injury for much of the season but the team determined surgery was the best course of action to ensure he's ready for 2026.
Perhaps most significantly, top catching prospect Ivan Herrera is scheduled for elbow surgery. The 22-year-old made his MLB debut in 2025 and was slated to compete for the starting job next season. The Cardinals will monitor his recovery closely in the coming months.
Looking Ahead to 2026
While the rash of offseason surgeries is certainly not ideal, the Cardinals appear to be taking a proactive approach to ensure their key young players are fully healthy heading into the 2026 campaign. Prospects like Donovan, Nootbaar, and Herrera are seen as crucial pieces for the franchise's future success.
TL;DR
- Infielder Brendan Donovan, outfielder Lars Nootbaar, and catcher Ivan Herrera are all scheduled for offseason surgeries
- Donovan and Nootbaar are expected to be ready for spring training, but Herrera's elbow procedure could impact his 2026 status
- The Cardinals are prioritizing the long-term health of their young core as they look to bounce back next season