Tim Wigmore
Updated on: October 11, 2024 1:12 am GMT
In a surprising turn for St. Louis Cardinals fans, outfielder Lars Nootbaar has been benched for Wednesday’s game against the Cincinnati Reds. This decision is noteworthy as it marks just the second time since August 20 that Nootbaar will not start against a left-handed pitcher.
Nootbaar’s Performance and Recent Trends
Lars Nootbaar has been an essential part of the Cardinals lineup since August, starting in each game during that period. His solid performance has been characterized by a batting average of .242, complemented by nine home runs and 35 runs batted in (RBIs) this season. The Cardinals are in a crucial stretch of their schedule, making player matchups even more significant as they aim to secure victories.
As the Cardinals face the Reds this Wednesday, Nootbaar’s absence from the starting nine raises questions about the team’s strategy against left-handed pitchers. Despite his contributions, manager Oliver Marmol opted for an alternative approach. Brendan Donovan is scheduled to take over in left field, batting fifth in the order for the day.
Impact on the Team
Nootbaar’s benching reflects the coach’s tactical adjustments based on pitcher matchups. The decision not only affects Nootbaar’s game-time statistics but also the team’s overall dynamics. Facing left-hander Brandon Williamson, the Cardinals aim to utilize players they consider more effective in handling such pitchers. This strategic choice highlights the emphasis teams place on analytics and historical performance against different types of pitching.
In addition to Nootbaar, fellow left-handed hitter Alec Burleson also exits the starting lineup, underscoring a trend where left-handed batters may be strategically sidelined in favor of right-handed options against particular opponents.
Nootbaar Back in the Lineup
Following his brief absence, Lars Nootbaar is set to return to the Cardinals’ starting lineup on Thursday. This game will also feature the Reds, providing Nootbaar an opportunity to reinforce his value to the team after sitting out just one day. He is expected to bat fifth and resume his role in left field.
Nootbaar’s steady performance over the season has contributed significantly to the Cardinals’ offense. His ability to handle pressure situations could be crucial as the team continues to navigate through important games in their schedule.
Player Statistics
For those tracking Nootbaar’s performance, here are his key statistics from the current season:
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Batting Average | .242 |
| Home Runs | 9 |
| RBIs | 35 |
Nootbaar’s contributions are not only limited to his hitting; he plays a vital role defensively, frequently making key catches that could change the course of a game.
Conclusion
As the season goes on, every choice about the lineup becomes really important. The Cardinals’ managers have been flexible with how they match up players, like when they decided to bench Nootbaar recently. Fans and experts are paying close attention to see how this choice, along with Nootbaar returning to play, affects the team’s performance against the Reds and in future games. The Cardinals need players like Nootbaar to step up as they try to improve their standing in the league.
