Cardinals Outfielder Lars Nootbaar to Miss Start of Season

Nootbaar recovering from offseason heel surgery, will begin running progression this weekend

Mar. 21, 2026 at 3:34pm

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St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Lars Nootbaar will start the 2026 season on the Injured List as he continues to recover from offseason surgery on both of his heels. While Nootbaar will miss Opening Day, he has begun a running progression and is making progress in his recovery, raising optimism that he could return to game action in the near future.

Why it matters

Nootbaar was expected to be a key part of the Cardinals' outfield this season, so his absence to start the year is a significant loss for the team. However, the fact that he is progressing in his recovery and could return relatively soon is encouraging news for the Cardinals and their fans.

The details

Nootbaar underwent surgery in the offseason to correct Haglund's deformities, bony pieces near the Achilles tendon that were causing him pain. He has been working his way back ever since, and while he has not appeared in any Spring Training games, he has recently begun a running progression, which is a positive sign in his recovery.

  • Nootbaar will officially start the 2026 season on the Injured List.
  • Nootbaar has begun a running progression over the weekend as the Cardinals prepare to leave Florida.

The players

Lars Nootbaar

A Cardinals outfielder who underwent offseason surgery on both of his heels and is working his way back to game action.

Derrick Goold

A reporter for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch who provided updates on Nootbaar's status and recovery.

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What they’re saying

“Lars Nootbaar has begun his running progression this weekend as Cardinals prepare to leave Florida. He will, officially, open the season on the injured list.”

— Derrick Goold, Reporter

“Last month since I've been out in Florida, probably timing-wise with surgery and everything, I've made some big strides recently. So, that's the exciting part. Not rushing or anything, but just been feeling really good.”

— Lars Nootbaar

What’s next

The Cardinals will monitor Nootbaar's progress as he continues his running progression, with the hope that he can return to game action in the near future.

The takeaway

While the loss of Nootbaar to start the season is a setback for the Cardinals, the fact that he is making progress in his recovery and could return relatively soon is an encouraging sign for the team and its fans.