The St. Louis Cardinals are kicking off spring training with a bit of a curveball-not on the field, but in the rehab room.
Outfielder Lars Nootbaar, a key piece of the Cardinals' lineup, is set to report to camp a few days later than expected. But before fans start worrying, let’s clear the air: this isn’t a setback.
It’s a matter of logistics, not health.
Nootbaar is in the final stages of recovery from heel surgery he underwent back on October 7, 2025. The team’s been taking a methodical approach with his rehab, and so far, everything’s gone according to plan.
Right now, he’s working on an AlterG treadmill-a high-tech piece of equipment that reduces body-weight impact and allows athletes to rebuild strength and mobility without overloading healing joints. It’s a crucial step before he transitions to full-speed running on solid ground.
The hiccup? Ongoing renovations at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium, the Cardinals' spring training home in Jupiter, Florida, have delayed the delivery of that AlterG treadmill.
Rather than disrupt Nootbaar’s carefully managed rehab schedule, the team has decided to keep him at a location where he already has access to the equipment. It’s a smart move-one that prioritizes health and continuity over optics.
So while Nootbaar isn’t among the first wave of players reporting to camp, there’s no cause for alarm. His recovery is still on track, and the Cardinals remain confident he’ll be ready for Opening Day. The delay is purely logistical, not medical.
That said, the timing does carry some roster implications. With Brendan Donovan now in Seattle following a February 2 trade, the Cardinals’ outfield depth-particularly in left field-is a little thinner than usual. If Nootbaar’s ramp-up lingers even slightly, it could open the door for players like Alec Burleson or Victor Scott II to get some extra early reps and make their case for a bigger role.
But for now, the Cardinals are sticking to the plan. Once the AlterG treadmill arrives in Jupiter, Nootbaar will head straight to camp and jump back into spring training activities. No panic, no pivot-just a team managing its assets with care and precision.
The Cardinals know what they have in Nootbaar: a dynamic, high-energy player who brings value on both sides of the ball. And they’re making sure he’s fully ready to roll when the games start to count.